Colin Kaepernick says he will STOP kneeling during the national anthem as it's revealed he's leaving the 49ers become a free agent

  • San Francisco 49ers quarterback says controversial protest's message received
  • Plans to stand for national anthem for 2017 NFL season
  • Polarized nation by kneeling during anthem to protest treatment of minorities
  • Now entering free agency and seeking contract with new team for 2017 

By KEITH GRIFFITH, US NEWS REPORTER

Published: | Updated:

Colin Kaepernick is calling off his controversial national anthem protest, saying his message has gotten across successfully.

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback plans to stand for the Star Spangled Banner before games during the 2017 season, according to sources cited by ESPN.

Kaepernick is on the hunt for a new team, with plans to opt out of his 49ers contract this week and enter free agency next week.

The play caller sparked fierce controversy last season when he decided to remain seated, and later kneel on one knee, during the national anthem before games.

Colin Kaepernick (right) and teammate Eric Reid kneel on the sideline during the national anthem before a September game against the San Diego Chargers

Colin Kaepernick (right) and teammate Eric Reid kneel on the sideline during the national anthem before a September game against the San Diego Chargers

Kaepernick's #7 jersey became one of the league's top sellers during his protest, but many were angered by a display they perceived as unpatriotic and insulting to the military

Kaepernick's #7 jersey became one of the league's top sellers during his protest, but many were angered by a display they perceived as unpatriotic and insulting to the military

Kaepernick was motivated in the protest by a desire to draw attention to inequality, and the treatment of blacks and other non-white people in the U.S.

Critics called the protest an insult to veterans and the armed forces, a charge Kaepernick strenuously denied.

But Kaepernick's jersey quickly became one of the top sellers across the NFL, with fans supporting the protest.

Many of Kaepernick's teammates also approved of the protest, with 49ers Eli Harold and Eric Reid eventually joining Kaepernick in kneeling. 

Less visibly, the quarterback's Colin Kaepernick Foundation also donated $1 million to charitable groups supporting the underprivileged across the country. 

Teammates Eli Harold (left) and Eric Reid (right) eventually joined Kaepernick in kneeling

Teammates Eli Harold (left) and Eric Reid (right) eventually joined Kaepernick in kneeling

Most watched News videos