Marshawn Lynch

Retired Running Back Marshawn Lynch Supports 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick and His Protest

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch expressed support for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for his protests against racial injustice and bigotry.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick can count one more supporter in the wake of the signal-caller’s efforts to bring attention to racial injustice and prejudice within the nation.

Now-retired running back Marshawn Lynch appeared with Conan O’Brien on Tuesday night’s episode of Conan and discussed his thoughts about Kaepernick.

“With what’s going on, I’d rather see him take a knee than stand up, put his hands up and get murdered,” Lynch said. “My take on it is s—, they got to start somewhere.

“I just hope people open up their eyes and see that there’s really a problem going on and something needs to be done for it to stop. If you’re really not racist, then you won’t see what he’s doing as a threat to America.”

You can see Lynch’s comments below:

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Kaepernick has received death threats in the wake of his kneel-down protests during the national anthem.

“To me, if something like that were to happen, you’ve proved my point,” Kaepernick said, via Chris Biderman of Niners Wire. “And it will be loud and clear for everyone why it happened, and that would move this movement forward at a greater speed than what it is even now.”

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on during a press conference following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Kaepernick has also pledged to donate $100,000 per week to charitable causes dedicated to helping promote social awareness.

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