Support for Kaepernick protest grows, ahead of 49ers season-opener

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KTVU) - Colin Kaepernick's protest over racial inequality during the national anthem gained more support among NFL players ahead of Monday night's season opener for the 49ers.

Players on the Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and New England Patriots demonstrated during the national anthems at their respective games on Sunday.

Four players on the Dolphins took a knee during the anthem, while across the field their opponents, the Seahawks, linked arms in a sign of unity.

The Miami Dolphins tweeted out a response to the actions taken by the players.

It read in part: "We encourage all members of our organization to stand at attention during the national anthem out of respect and appreciation for the freedoms we are afforded as Americans. We also recognize that it's an individual's right to reflect during the anthem in different ways. We respect these liberties and appreciate the sacrifices that everyone has made for our country, especially on this day of remembrance.”

The Kansas City Chiefs also linked arms before their game and cornerback Marcus Peters, who's an Oakland native, raised his fist saying he supported Kaepernick's efforts to raise awareness of the justice system.

Two players on the Patriots, Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty, also raised their fists during the anthem before their game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Support among NFL players for Kaepernick's protest has continued to grow since the back-up quarterback first starting sitting down during the anthem in preseason.

The protest has received support and criticism from fans, community leaders, and government officials with the sharpest criticism coming from members of the law enforcement community.

In fact, there was talk last week that Santa Clara Police officers would boycott providing security for the game to show their disapproval of Colin Kaepernick's protest.

However, the chief told KTVU Sunday night that it will be "business as usual."

Team officials are expecting a sold out crowd of some 60,000 fans at kickoff for the 7:20p.m. game.