By now most people are aware of the protesting many NFL players and even entire NFL teams are participating in during the National Anthem. However, there seems to be some kind of confusion as to what exactly Colin Kaepernick, the entire Raiders' offensive line, the Dallas Cowboys, and several other players and teams all around the country are protesting. So here are four things that are not being protested and the one real thing they are.

1. NFL players are not protesting the flag

They actually do have respect for the flag as shown by their silence during the pledge when they could very easily talk over it. Also, many players are taking a knee which is a very respectful way to protest. The new signs of solidarity, linking arms or raised fists, don't disrespect the flag in any way either.

2. They are not protesting President Trump

Colin Kaepernick began this protest on August 26, 2016, during the preseason. So he started well before Trump was sworn into office and it has continued despite Trump's rants against "son of a bitch" NFL players. Actually, the number of players protesting actually increased after Trump's speech as a sign of solidarity.

3. They are not protesting soldiers or veterans

Soldiers give so much to our country and NFL players are well aware of that. In no way are the current protests meant as a sign of disrespect towards soldiers or veterans. If you know someone who is angry about these protests because they feel it is disrespectful towards men and women in the armed forces feel free to remind them that several past and present soldiers have taken to Twitter and other social platforms to express their support of this movement.

4. NFL players are not protesting the United States

Stop saying these men are ungrateful. They know how they are blessed and they know what they have had to work hard for. This is not about their "dislike" of our country. This has never been about the United States as a whole.

Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the National Anthem to start a conversation about police brutality and racial inequality. His form of protesting was done in a way that ensured the start of a conversation about those topics. However, some people have become sidelined with conversations about whether this is the right way to protest. It is. If it causing people to speak, to stand together, and to seek change, then it is the right way to protest. If you think that he and other NFL players should do more than just protest, then don't you worry your pretty little mind, Kaepernick has donated $800,000 to multiple organizations which seek to correct police brutality and other social and racial inequalities. Other players have also donated their money, time, or names to help.

So just a quick recap, NFL players are only protesting police brutality and racial inequalities. Nothing else.