NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has spoken out against Colin Kaepernick's ongoing refusal to stand during the national anthem.

When asked about the San Francisco quarterback's protest, Goodell offered his 'personal thoughts' on the matter.

'I don't necessarily agree with what he is doing,' the commissioner said.

'I support our players when they want to see change in society, and we don't live in a perfect society. We live in an imperfect society.

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (pictured) has spoken out against Colin Kaepernick's ongoing refusal to stand during the national anthem

Colin Kaepernick (middle) kneels down during the national anthem on September 1 during a pre-season game

'On the other hand, we believe very strongly in patriotism in the NFL. I personally believe very strongly in that.

'I think it's important to have respect for our country, for our flag, for the people who make our country better; for law enforcement, and for our military who are out fighting for our freedoms and our ideals.

'We encourage our players to be respectful in that time and I like to think of it as a moment where we can unite as a country. And that's what we need more, and that's what I think football does -- it unites our country.

'So I would like to see us focusing on our similarities and trying to bring people together.'

Goodell made his comments on the eve of the NFL season's opening game on Thursday night

Goodell, who was paid $31.7 million in 2015, added he understands players have a platform they can use, but urged them to be 'respectful'.

The controversial commissioner's comments came after Kaepernick announced he will donate all the money he receives from jersey sales to help local communities.

The quarterback's jersey has skyrocketed in popularity since he started his protest.

Kaepernick's jersey was the league's 33rd best seller on draft day in April, but has now climbed to the number one spot in the NFL.

The 28-year-old said he will give the money away in an Instagram post on Wednesday morning.

'I want to thank everyone who has shown me love and support, it truly means a lot!' he wrote to his 1.4 million followers.

Kaepernick posted a picture of fans wearing his jersey on his Instagram page on Wednesday night

'I want to thank everyone who has shown me love and support, it truly means a lot!' he wrote to his 1.4 million followers

It is unclear exactly how many Kaepernick jerseys have been sold since he started the protest

'I wasn't expecting my jersey sales to jump to number one because of this, but it shows the people's belief that we can achieve justice and equality for ALL!

'The only way I can repay you for the support is to return the favor by donating all the proceeds I receive from my jersey sales back into the communities!

'I believe in the people, and WE can be the change!'

Kaepernick could receive as much as $500,000 in the increased sales, according to the Sacramento Bee.

It is unclear exactly how many Kaepernick jerseys have been sold since he started the protest.

Colin Kaepernick has come under fire from some people offended by his decision not to stand during the national anthem before San Francisco's games in protest over racial injustice

The jersey was on clearance at the end of last season, as the backup quarterback was coming off a horrible year with the team.

In the last week alone, the amount of Kaepernick's team gear sold was more than the past eight months combined, according to ESPN.

The 49ers backup quarterback, who wouldn't stand for the anthem during the team's preseason games, has cited racial injustice and police brutality among the many reasons for his protest and said he plans to continue into the regular season.

Many have weighed in on the controversial decision, including President Obama who said he supported the NFL star.

While speaking after the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China, the president said that the 49ers quarterback is 'exercising his constitutional right' by not standing.

NBA star Jabari Parker (pictured wearing a black Kaepernick jersey) has thrown his support by Colin Kaepernick, joining a growing list of fellow athletes to do so

'There's a long history of sports figures doing so, I think there are a lot of ways you can do it.

NBA star Jabari Parker also supported the quarterback on Tuesday night, tweeting a picture of himself wearing a black Kaepernick jersey.

'Never followed the wave but this one is necessary. I got your back homie @kaepernick7,' the Milwaukee Bucks player and former number two draft pick wrote.

Kaepernick has come under fire from some people offended by his decision not to stand during the national anthem before San Francisco's games.

U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe (pictured) knelt during the national anthem before the Seattle Reign's match with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women's Soccer League

Several other athletes have fallen Kaepernick's lead, including US soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who knelt during the national anthem Sunday night before the Seattle Reign's 2-2 tie with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women's Soccer League.

Rapinoe, 31, said it was an intentional move designed to show her support for Kaepernick.

'It's the least I can do. Keep the conversation going,' Rapinoe tweeted, after earlier telling American Soccer how it was 'a nod to Kaepernick'.

Rapinoe is a midfielder for Seattle Reign FC in the National Women's Soccer League - the highest women's club competition in the U.S.

The football player was joined by teammate Eric Reid in kneeling, and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremey Lane sat down during the playing of the national anthem at another preseason game last week.

Seattle Seahawks player Jeremy Lane (left and circled above) refused to stand during the national anthem ahead of the team's game with Oakland on September 1

The quarterback explained his reasons for protesting last week.

'I'm not anti-American. I love America. I love people. That's why I'm doing this,' he said.

'I want to help make America better, and I think having these conversations helps everybody have a better understanding of where everybody is coming from.

'We have a lot of people that aren't treated equally, that aren't given equal opportunities.