I'm not a political person, because, when I get into political conversations, one of two things happen: I piss somebody off or I start to cry. But I saw something the TV that really set me off.

I was watching the San Francisco 49ers playing in a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers, and, as I was watching the National Anthem being played, I saw something that caught my attention: Colin Kaepernick was kneeling on his leg during the National Anthem. Obviously, he got lot of flack for this. People were saying vicious things online about him: calling him Un-American, a spoiled brat, saying he was getting paid millions of dollars to play for us, etc.

After that preseason game, Colin said this: "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder." He was referring to the amount of African Americans getting killed by police officers these past years. He also said he would protest this until he felt the American flag was made separate from that kind of behavior.

When I heard this, I was not happy about it. And this is a letter to Colin Kaepernick on his choice to kneel during the National Anthem.

Dear Colin,

Just like you, I love football. Just like you, I love to win. But unlike you, I respect the National Anthem. I always put my right hand on my chest to show how much I appreciate the troops who die for our country. I know you are trying to get a point out there, but where were you when these deaths of these African Americans occurred? I remember the deaths of Tamir Rice, Michael Ferguson, Trayvon Martin, and many other African Americans, but I don't remember you protesting about it. And when I say "protesting," I do not include standing on your knee, because that's just disrespecting the American flag. Millions of U.S. soldiers, veterans, Navy, and many troops died for you so you can play football.

You are a professional athlete who gets paid very well. Do something with that money. Start a rally with people and talk about justice for African Americans. Or start a charity with your massive following. Now a lot of NFL players are copy-catting you, which will only distract from the messages that need to be heard regarding the health of black communities and their relationship with local police. How are you getting those messages across by kneeling down during the National Anthem? You aren't doing anything at all.

I know this letter is kind of pressing hard on you, but I want to motivate you to try harder to fix the problems you see in our country. So many troops died for you to be able to have that kind of agency and you need to respect that.

Colin, you're an NFL quarterback. If you see a problem, do something about it.