Colin Kaepernick continues anthem protest before Chargers game

Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem before Thursday's preseason NFL game and pledged to continue his protest over police brutality and racism in the US.

The sixth-year 49ers quarterback said he opted to kneel rather than remain seated as he did last week "to show more respect for men and women who fight for the country."

He was joined by his teammate, safety Eric Reid, who knelt beside the quarterback before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers.

It was the Chargers' 28th Annual Salute to the Military night, and most of the fans on hand booed Kaepernick, who said he would continue to take a knee in future games.

"As far as how long this goes, I'm not sure," he said in a post-game news conference. "I want to be able to affect change and I think there are a lot of other people who do as well."

Former NFL player and Green Beret Nate Boyer, a guest of Kaepernick, stood to the quarterback's left with his right hand over his heart.