Unlike any other popular sport and especially the NBA, what matters more is the logo on the side of the helmet instead of the name on the back of the jersey. The only players who are “allowed” to have a “face” and a marketable name without criticism are generally star QB’s. Everyone else is supposed to just be thankful for the privilege of sacrificing their minds and bodies for the game. So that’s a big reason why this public display by Kaep is soliciting this visceral response.

Honestly, for some reason the average American considers football their escape. This protest presents too much reality during the 6 month political vacation we call football season.

As unbelievable as it may sound, many equate the role of a football player to the sacrifices of our service members. It is not. That’s probably why its expected for football players to be loyal to the league and “America” regardless of personal politics. I’m here to say, there is a big difference. Most football players will be done playing by the age of 25. Clearly, they have more life to live past their years on the football field. Kaepernick knows this and chose to stand up anyway.