NFL: Preseason-San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scrambles during the first half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21.

(Orlando Jorge Ramirez-USA Today Sports)

Colin Kaepernick has never been more popular.

The suddenly controversial San Francisco 49ers back-up quarterback has been the talk of the sports world for over a week. With a spot on San Fran's 53-man roster secure, don't expect the Kaepernick conversation to go away any time soon.



Sooner or later, you might find yourself in a debate with someone showing the ultimate fan support for Kaepernick's social justice crusade.



The reason? Kaepernick's jersey sales have inexplicably skyrocketed on NFL.com over the past few weeks. While the former NFC champion signal caller was once a popular player and hot-selling jersey, the best of Kaepernick on the field never produced what the NFL is seeing now.



According to the NFL Shop website, Kaepernick's jersey has risen to the No. 1 overall best seller in the league. No. 2? New Eagles starting quarterback Carson Wentz. Following those quarterbacks on the list? Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott and Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

NFL executives blast Kaepernick



To put that into perspective, the 49ers back-up quarterback is selling more jerseys than Cam Newton, Von Miller, J.J. Watt, the new big thing in football-crazy Philadelphia, the star back on America's team and the best wide receiver in the NFL who happens to play in the biggest market in sports.



The red 49ers home Kaepernick jersey ranks No. 1. As for the white road version? No. 16 among all of the best sellers.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.