Colin Kaepernick's anthem stance has been good for jersey sales

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick maybe in hot water over his controversial actions, but his jersey sales are through the roof. Photo / AP

Controversial San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is great for business.

According to the team's website, his decision to sit during the United States national anthem has boosted sales of his merchandise by a monumental amount.

Kaepernick now has the best-selling jersey on the team. Before his protest, he was sixth all year.

ESPN reported, also, that more Kaepernick gear sold last week on the team site than the past eighth months combined.

His jersey was also the third-best-selling player jersey on NFL.com as of today, according to the website.

The only jerseys selling better were the Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliot's and New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr's.

Kaepernick was lambasted late last month after he came out publicly saying he would not stand for the national anthem because he said he didn't want to show pride in a flag of a country "that oppresses black people and people of colour".

While Kaepernick has been heavily criticised for his protest, he has also received support. He was joined in his protest by 49ers safety Eric Reid.

"I'm not anti-American," Kaepernick said after the game. "I love America. That's why I'm doing this."

Earlier this morning, President Barack Obama commented on Kaepernick's stance at the G20 Summit.

"He's exercising his constitutional right to make a statement," he said. "I think there is a long history of athletes doing so."

Kaepernick, who is being paid $NZ16.3 million this year, will begin the season as the backup to Blaine Gabbert.