Once an object of their derision, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has served as an inspiration to the rival Seattle Seahawks this season.
Six days after Kaepernick’s national-anthem protest became public, Seattle cornerback Jeremy Lane and 49ers safety Eric Reid became the first NFL players to join him in not standing for the national anthem. Ten days later, the Seahawks locked arms before their season opener. It was a gesture of unity that wouldn’t have happened without Kaepernick’s decision to not stand during the anthem.
“We wouldn’t be having this conversation if it wasn’t for him bringing it to light,” Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin said in advance of the 49ers’ visit to Seattle on Sunday.