Kaepernick to change US anthem stance

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has altered his stance and will stand during the US national anthem next NFL season.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has altered his stance and will stand during the US national anthem. (AAP)

NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has altered his stance and will stand during the US national anthem next season.

The decision comes on the heels of Kaepernick hiring new agents, who told all 32 NFL teams that the quarterback would opt out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers and will be available when free agency begins March 9.

Kaepernick initially said that his national-anthem protest was meant to bring attention to social and racial injustice.

Now, according to ESPN's report, the 29-year-old will no longer kneel for the anthem to avoid a possible distraction for a new team.

Kaepernick doesn't want the "past method of protest to detract from the positive change that he believes has been created, per sources," ESPN's Adam Schefter said.

Kaepernick started the campaign of kneeling during the national anthem as the 49ers' backup behind Blaine Gabbert before taking over as the starter on October 16 against the Buffalo Bills.