Colin Kaepernick: Under Center

Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

There's been a lot of discussion about whether or not it's an athlete's place to stand up for sociopolitical issues. Some people feel it's not their place, while others feel it's their obligation given the fact that their platform allows them to be able to reach the masses unlike the average citizen. There's been talks of possibly tainting their legacy, but taking a look at history, the athletes who did fight for issues particularly black athletes, they're often held on a higher pedestal. From Jim Brown, to Bill Russell, To Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, their stance arguably made them more important historical figures. The same can be said for John Carlos and Tommie Smith who's black leather gloved fists remain one of the Olympics most memorable moments. And of course we remember the late great Muhammad Ali and his refusal to fight in Vietnam, and being incarcerated in his prime because of that. This football season, in addition to all of the eagerness to watch what's happening on the field and keeping track of your fantasy stats, there will be more attention than usual placed on a few guys while still on the sidelines. One of which is Colin Kaepernick.

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