Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protest has polarized the nation, drawing vocal supporters and critics.

In a poll taken last week by E-Poll Marketing Research, the 49ers' backup quarterback was "disliked a lot" by 29 percent of those polled, beating out over 350 players named in the survey. Among NFL fans, the dislike was stronger, with 36 percent saying that they disliked him a lot.

But while Kaepernick has taken his share of criticism for kneeling during the national anthem at games in protest of police brutality of African-Americans, he has also gained a good deal of support. The poll showed that 42 percent of African-Americans like Kaepernick “a lot.”

Kaepernick’s jersey became a best-seller after the backup quarterback began his public protest.

Kaepernick has received another honor: He is featured on the latest cover of Time magazine, which hit newsstands Friday.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) leaves the field after the game where the Carolina Panthers defeated the Atlanta Falcons in overtime 30-27, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.  (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

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