The San Francisco 49ers have had their fair share of controversy over the years, but none more so than when quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem in 2016. The move sparked widespread debate and criticism from many corners, including President Donald Trump.

Kaepernick's decision to kneel was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and his desire to bring attention to systemic racism and police brutality. He was soon joined by other NFL players who shared similar concerns and were willing to take a stand against injustice.

Despite being a free agent at the time, Kaepernick's actions did not go unnoticed. In fact, he was honored with several prestigious awards for his courage, including the Courageous Advocate award from the ACLU. He also made Time Magazine's list of finalists for Person of the Year and was named Citizen of the Year by GQ Magazine.

However, not everyone was pleased with Kaepernick's actions. Some NFL owners threatened to bench players who didn't stand during the anthem, while others opted to kneel or lock arms in solidarity. Vice President Mike Pence even left a Colts game after players took a knee during the national anthem.

The controversy continued into the 2017 season, with many teams and players responding to Trump's rhetoric on the issue. Some owners knelt alongside their players, while others remained seated on the sidelines. Even some non-NFL athletes, such as Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, weighed in on the debate.

Despite being unsigned by any NFL team during the off-season, Kaepernick's jersey became a top seller and he was voted most disliked player in the league. However, his appearance on the cover of Time Magazine for a story on patriotism and protests showed that his message had resonated with many people.

Today, kneeling or raising a fist during the national anthem is a common occurrence in the NFL, as players continue to use their platform to bring attention to social justice issues. While some may disagree with their methods, it's clear that Colin Kaepernick's actions sparked a movement that will have lasting impacts on the world of sports and beyond.

49ers play by play