Colin Kaepernick was named the new starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday. Coach Chip Kelly decided to make the switch after apparently getting a little tired of seeing his offense struggle with Blaine Gabbert under center.
Kaepernick, of course, has been the biggest story in the NFL this season for reasons that have nothing to do with whether he's a backup or a starter. His national anthem protests have taken not only the sports world, but the political world by storm. He's refused to stand for the anthem until there is real change in the way people of color are treated in America and several other NFL players have joined him in either kneeling for the anthem or raising their fists to the sky.
Unsurprisingly, people on the internet used the occasion of his being named starter to break out their best jokes. A sampling:
We all know Kaepernick will audible into a QB kneel on his first play
— Austin Proffitt (@_TheProffitt_) October 11, 2016
'LOL WHAT'S KAEPERNICK GONNA DO, KNEEL ON FIRST DOWN?'
— Jimmie Rustler 19-0 (@JamesRustle) October 11, 2016
*original joke pls do not steal I know several people in internet law enforcement*
Colin Kaepernick will start this week for the #49ers which means we don't have to worry about seeing him kneel in a victory formation.
— Michael A. Stein (@FantasyJudgment) October 11, 2016
49ers new starting QB is Colin Kaepernick. Now every opponent will play the national anthem on 3rd down causing him to take a knee.
— NUFF$AID (@nuffsaidNY) October 11, 2016
Disagree with starting Kaepernick against the Buffalo Bills.
— Kevin O'Neill (@KevinBuffalo) October 11, 2016
Every time he sees red, white & blue he'll take a knee.#GoBills#BillsMafia
🇺🇸
"25 seconds left, Kaepernick now taking a knee. Whether to protest police misconduct or simply solidify this win, we can only surmise..."
— Gourmet Spud (@gourmetspud) October 11, 2016
Anyone made the joke that Buffalo should keep playing the National Anthem over the PA so Kaepernick takes a knee on every sna--oh everybody?
— Ethan BOO!ker (@Ethan_Booker) October 11, 2016
Yep. Everyone made basically the same joke. You could see that coming a mile away.
That's why Chuck D went with a simple statement of support.
We behind @Kaepernick7 this weekend like...... pic.twitter.com/9LqVvvWUOJ
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) October 11, 2016
At least his tweet was original.