Colin Kaepernick’s NFL Debut Jersey Sells For $128k at Auction

Evidently, Kaepernick still maintains a loyal fanbase.

Because a jersey worn by the star during his debut season has just sold for a record-breaking sum of money. Here's the full story...

Kaepernick, born in Milwaukee in 1987, is a former quarterback-turned-activist...

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But these days, he is best known for his political activism regarding systematic racism against African-Americans.

Kneeling for what he believes in...

In 2016, during the 49ers third preseason game, Kaepernick began kneeling during the US national anthem prior to games, rather than standing as is customary.

He knelt during the national anthem in protest of police shootings of African-American men and other social injustices faced by black people in the US.

Speaking in an interview in 2016, Kaepernick said: "To me, this is something that has to change, and when there's significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it's supposed to represent and this country is representing people the way that it's supposed to, I'll stand."

His kneeling was a sign of respect.

Kaepernick later said that he "couldn't show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color." He opted for kneeling over sitting, however, as a sign of respect for the men and women who fight for the United States.

Kaepernick's actions inspired others...

His teammate, Eric Reid, soon began to kneel beside him, alongside other teammates such as Antoine Bethea, Eli Harold, Jaquiski Tartt, and Rashard Robinson.

The NFL's response wasn't positive, however.

Initially, the NFL released a statement claiming that players were only encouraged, and not required, to stand during the national anthem. But, in 2017, Kaepernick became a free agent. No team would offer him a contract, and, in October of that year, he filed a grievance against the league, accusing team owners of colluding to keep him signed.

Yet players still continued to kneel.

After Kaepernick's attorney stated that "athletes who protest peacefully should not be punished", public backlash mounted until team owners declared that all team personnel on the field must "stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem."

This announcement caused even more outrage...

If any team members where caught kneeling during the anthem, the team would be fined and the decision would be upon the team leader whether or not they punish that particular player. This did not sit well with the players, nor did it with the rest of America.

Kaepernick was then used as the face for Nike's "Just Do It" campaign.

For the thirtieth anniversary of Nike's "Just Do It" campaign in September 2018, Colin Kaepernick was used as the frontman of the global phenomenon, along with the headline: "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

Kaepernick is now endorsed by Nike.

The "sacrifice" is clearly in reference to his kneeling protests that resulted in him not being able to participate in the sport anymore. The fact that Nike used his image and beliefs to promote their brand is a huge step forward for the rights of black Americans and the racial injustices that still go on to this very day.

And he has had had a flurry of support from thousands of people all over the world.

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After Donald Trump said that athletes who kneeled during the national anthem were disrespecting the U.S. and its patriotic symbols, the hashtags #TakeAKnee and #TaketheKnee began trending.

And a number of celebrities have voiced their support.

Musician John Legend penned his own op-ed for Slate, titled “The NFL Protests Are Patriotic." In his piece, Legend called out Trump for suppressing voter rights and talked about important protests in history.

Stevie Wonder was another iconic figure to show his alliance with Kaepernick.

The music legend performed at the Global Citizens Festival in New York in September 2017. And he had the following to say in support of Kaepernick and the other NFL players... “Tonight, I’m taking a knee for America," Wonder said, kneeling down arm in arm with his son, Kwame Morris. “But not just one knee — I’m taking both knees."

Even the whole cast of Star Trek: Discovery rallied together to show their support...

And actress, Sonequa Martin-Green, shared a photo on her Instagram of the team all kneeling on their knees with the hashtag, #takeaknee.

And one of his biggest vocal supporters is none other than Rihanna.

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She took her support beyond just voicing her opinion.

Last year, Rihanna famously turned down a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl.

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The Super Bowl half-time show is one of the biggest entertainment events in the world, and each year features iconic musicians.

The singer was asked to perform at the huge event...

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But she turned down the invite, saying that she "couldn't dare do that" to Colin Kaepernick.

She believes that the NFL player was being blackballed.

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In her cover story with Vogue, the singer confirmed she was taking a stand against the league. "I couldn’t dare do that. For what? Who gains from that? Not my people... I just couldn’t be a sellout. I couldn’t be an enabler."

Rihanna has been vocal about her disapproval of the organization.

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"There are things within that organization that I do not agree with at all," the singer explained, "...And I was not about to go and be of service to them in any way."

Following the BLM movement, many expected to see Kaepernick back on the field...

But that just doesn't seem to be the case.

In fact, the interest in Kaepernick has been branded as "fake."

"Per a source with knowledge of the situation, there was some “fake" interest expressed immediately after Floyd’s death, seemingly out of guilt," a source claims.

He isn't giving up, though...

Because he shared this message on Twitter last month. Even so, many were still doubtful ...

Because many now believe Kaepernick will never play again.

In spite of his talent and skill, it seems his ship has sailed professionally.

Although his fanbase is still holding out hope...

It's likely to be in vain.

His relationship with the NFL is just too damaged, many have claimed...

But that doesn't mean his legacy is.

Because it has just emerged today that a rare piece of Kaepernick memorabilia has sold for an eyewatering sum of money.

His jersey worn in a match from his debut season with the 49'ers on October 2nd, 2011, has just sold for a record-breaking $128,000 at auction, TMZ has reported.

Julian's Auctions, who sold the item, claims that it is the highest price anyone has ever paid for a game-used NFL jersey in their history.

The buyer is yet to be identified. Make sure to stay posted for further updates.