Now that Colin Kaepernick is no longer in the NFL, the rest of America seems to just go on with their day like a nationwide controversy did not happen (yet again). Since Kaepernick no longer has his NFL platform to voice the injustices that black people face in America, the nation was able to get back to good ol’ football.

The jersey burning has ceased, the news is covering fewer athletes who kneel or raise fists during the anthem, and complaints about anti-patriotism have faded away. The only thing left that hasn’t disappeared is the fear, the prejudice, the injustice and the racism that people of color face in their everyday lives.

When Kaepernick’s protest first began, people said that football and politics should never mix. Fans just wanted to enjoy their game, crack open a beer, and fling themselves on their dusty recliner after a long day, without wanting to hear another person “complain,” other than their wives.

Well for starters, sports and politics have mixed for very many years. Nazis used the 1936 Berlin Olympics for propaganda, politicians still invest and even own sports teams, and the national anthem was introduced at the beginning of games to inspire patriotism and recruit Americans for the Armed Forces. That seems pretty political if you ask me (or anyone).

Some Americans also tried to twist Kaepernick’s narrative, claiming that he was disrespecting the flag, veterans and his country, despite the fact that (in literally every interview) he blatantly stated the 5 W’s (who, what, where, when, and why) regarding his protest. People of color, specifically black people, are unable to voice their opinions in America without receiving backlash, threats, abuse–both mental and physical–or even death.

Kaepernick took that risk as an individual with a true passion, used his platform for change, and lost his NFL contract, but nevertheless, he continued to focus on this issue.

Not only was Kaepernick recently named GQ’s Citizen of the Year (in my opinion he also should have been People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive but we’ll save that for another article) but he pledged to donate one million dollars to different organizations in oppressed communities. His ongoing work outside of the NFL proves that his protest is more than just “disrespect to the national anthem.”

In most cases, celebrities bring awareness to a certain situation happening at the time, but then it slowly dissipates from the public’s attention due to lack of effort and lack of media coverage. Therefore, we cannot forget why Kaepernick, like many other black athletes in the past, is using his status to bring about change.

Although Kaepernick no longer has his NFL platform, his voice still rings throughout the colored community. He has forced the conversation of racial inequality and police brutality onto the nation, and he has willingly given up his love of football to fight for a cause that benefits the greater good.

Not all heroes wear capes, some sport afros and raise their fists.