San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began the center of a national debate when he refused to stand for the National Anthem last season, reportedly will end his protest for the upcoming season.

Citing sources close to the soon-to-be free agent, ESPN Senior Writer Adam Schefter reported on Kaepernick’s decision Thursday.

He said the sources told ESPN that Kaepernick was ending his protest so as to not detract from the positive change that he believes he has has already created.

While few other NFL players joined in the protest it did spread to colleges and high schools around the country.