Because of controversy, Kaepernick's No. 7 now NFL's top-selling

Colin Kaepernick jerseys were the top-selling jersey on the National Football League's official online store on Tuesday,weeks after he took a position to protest racial injustice and police brutality in the UnitedStates.

Kaepernick, a San Francisco 49ers quarterback, declined tostand during the playing of the national anthem ahead of apre-season game late last month and a game last week, promptingboth outrage and support from NFL players andfans across thecountry.

On a list of all jerseys available on NFLShop.com, Kaepernick's was first when arranged by "Top Sellers,"surpassingthe jerseys for high-profile rookie players CarsonWentz of the Philadelphia Eagles and EzekielElliott of theDallas Cowboys.

Nike Inc, maker of the NFL's jerseys, said on Tuesdayit does not comment on the sales of individual products.

Sales of Kaepernick's jersey have soared since he began hisprotest, according to an ESPN report over the weekendthat cited"a source with knowledge of sales numbers."

Kaepernick is the 49er's No. 2 quarterback, behind BlaineGabbert, who was named the team's starter for its homeopeneragainst the Los Angeles Rams on Monday.

Daniel Durbin, the director of the USC Annenberg Institute of Sports, Media and Society, said that strong jersey sales for a second-string NFL player "typically reflect some sort of celebrity that goes beyond accomplishments on the playing field."

"One seldom sees skyrocketing sales due to a social or political stance," said Durbin. "But, it would appear that Kaepernick's stance has touched a nerve and is directly impacting sales."

Prior to the high-profile protest, the jersey bearingKaepernick's name and number had been the 20th most popular of all those belonging to 49ers players, online sports publicationSB Nation reported over the weekend.

The 49ers on Tuesday said they had no immediate commentabout the sales of Kaepernick'sjerseys.TheNFLcouldnotimmediately be reached for comment.

Since Kaepernick began his protest, many fans have said onsocial media that they want to purchase his jersey as asign ofsolidarity.

"I've never watched a football game but I've just bought aColin Kaepernick jersey that I will proudly wear," tweetedTwitter user Sean on Friday.

"I need a Colin Kaepernick jersey asap," tweeted OliverEllison on Tuesday. "(It's) iconic now."