Aaron Rodgers Talks USA Flag, National Anthem After Colin Kaepernick's Protest

Aaron Rodgers became the latest star to speak out regarding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to protest during the United States national anthem. The Green Bay Packers signal-caller expressed a different outlook than Kap.

According to Alex Marvez of Sporting News, Rodgers said:

"

To me, the flag represents the greatest ideals of the United States of America, not the worst. But different people look at different things and have different feelings about it. That's what freedom of expression is all about. ...

... I think about the men and women who served proudly and died in wars for that flag to be flown. I think about the men and women in uniform right now who are out there protecting our freedom. I'm filled with a lot of thanks and pride in those people.

"

Here were Kaepernick's original comments, per NFL.com's Steve Wyche: "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To 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."

Rodgers declined to get into specifics about Kaepernick's beliefs, but others have been more outspoken.

Former Niners and current Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Alex Boone, former 49ers and current University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, legendary Niners wide receiver Jerry Rice and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees were all steadfast in their belief that Kaepernick went about expressing himself in the wrong way (you can read about it here, here, here and here).

Meanwhile, Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown said in an interview with NFL Network Total Access he was "with [Kaepernick] 100 percent" despite saying he wouldn't have chosen the same method of protest.

According to Nate Davis of USA Today, Kaepernick will continue to exercise his right to sit during The Star-Spangled Banner. He originally sat before a preseason game versus the Packers on Aug. 26.

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