As a prime example that controversy sells, Colin Kaepernick's jersey sales have impressively spiked this week since he began his decisive sit-down during the National Anthem last weekend.

According to the 49ers website, the Kaepernick jersey's sales were ranking in at No. 20 before his protest began. After the firestorm has made Kaepernick the NFL's most talked-about rebel rouser as of late, his jersey sales have skyrocketed to No. 1 on the franchise's website among the team's legends including Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, and Ronnie Lott jerseys. It's leap from Friday when Twitter user Mike Rosenberg pointed out that it was at No. 3.

And plenty of people are labeling his jersey as a symbol of patriotism, and to make their own coupled political and fashion statements tied to the Black Lives Matter movement via their love of football.

Even some people who aren't even 49ers fans, or who never watch football at all, have been drawn to purchase Kaepernick's jersey and want to tune in when Kaepernick takes the field.

Can NFL owners be that mad at him for making more people want to watch football? That's a Catch 22. And despite playing at a mediocre level last season and in the preseason, a CSN Bay Area report reveals that Kaepernick will make the cut for 49ers roster this season. Maybe he's back by popular demand, and he has his sudden fans to thank.

Also, he should credit his girlfriend, Hot 97 radio personality and MTV Girl Code commentator Nessa Diab, who is rumored to have inspired Kaepernick become more politically conscious and involved in social activism. Before they began dating in July 2015, Kaepernick wasn't very active on social media with political statements. If you want to do the research of his Twitter timeline, you can check for it here.

Last week, Nessa tweeted her support for him and urged others to stand behind her man's political sentiments.

Also, during the MTV Video Music Awards last Sunday, Nessa discussed her support on the pre-show red carpet with Baller Alert. You can check what she had to say in the clip below, and the caption has a transcription of her quotes about Kaepernick's inspirational protest:

Whether it is Kaepernick is acting on his own or influenced by his girlfriend for his political activism lately, he is putting his money where his mouth is. Kaepernick publicly announced this week that he plans to donate the first $1 million that he makes this season to charity.



Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com.