Time magazine’s upcoming\u00a0issue will have the San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick on the cover. He is being featured for his ongoing protest of police violence and racial inequality.<\/p>\n
The magazine announced Thursday that an image of Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem will be on the cover of the October 3rd issue, indicating how the NFL star’s protest has permeated national culture. The story, written by Sean Gregory, explores how Kaepernick’s protests have spred across the country. The issue also includes several commentary peices on the protests.<\/p>\n
Kaepernick\u2019s protest first drew attention during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, during which he refused to stand during the anthem. After the game, the quarterback explained his motivations to NFL.com\u2019s<\/span> Steve Wyche.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,\u201d he said. \u201cTo me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.\u201d<\/p>\n Kaepernick has continued to protest the anthem, and many other athletes have since joined him in calling attention to the injustices faced by black Americans. According to ThinkProgress, 21 athletes in the NFL alone have followed Kaepernick’s lead. Some NBA players have also said they plan to as well.<\/p>\n However, Kaepernick has also faced fierce backlash for his demonstration.\u00a0 ESPN’s Darren Rovell reported this week that in a poll of over 1,000 people, Kaepernick was found to be the most unpopular in the NFL. He’s been receiving death threats for his protests.<\/p>\n \u201cIf something like that were to happen, you\u2019ve proved my point,\u201d he said of the threats earlier this week. \u201cIt\u2019ll be loud and clear why it happened.\u201d<\/p>\n The image of the cover was first revealed on Time magazine’s twitter account.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n TIME\u2019s new cover: The perilous fight. How national anthem protests led by Colin Kaepernick are fueling a debate https:\/\/t.co\/FsZoblqj0b<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/pCVB3wM2kp<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 TIME (@TIME) September 22, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n