But Nike have shown a sign of solidarity with the 30-year-old and have chosen him to face their anniversary campaign.
The black-and-white image of the star's face is accompanied with the message: "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."
Kaepernick played as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers for six years but has not been signed up for the last two years.
This follows his decision kneel during the national anthem of NFL games in 2016, which in turn sparked a trend throughout the conferences.
Kaepernick, born to an African American father, was protesting against the racial injustices and was supported by players across the country.
Kaepernick began the protests during the 2016 season and was criticised by Donald Trump but supported by many of his fellow sporting professionals.
He was not selected to play in 2017, with Trump claiming that no team signed him for fear the president would create a PR crisis for the franchise.
The two-time Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year is in the process of suing NFL owners for alleged collusion to keep him out of the league.
Nike signed Kaepernick in 2011 and had sponsored him throughout his time at the 49ers and have seemingly continued to pay him despite his absence from the NFL.
Fellow American sports stars Odell Beckham Jr, Serena Williams and LeBron James are also part of the campaign from the sportswear giants.
Source: Read Full Article