SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Colin Kaepernick #7 and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to playing the Los Angeles Rams in their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Colin Kaepernick makes a stunning decision upon his impending free agency

Well this was shocking.

As if Colin Kaepernick hadn't created enough controversy, it looks like even more is coming during his upcoming free agency.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Kaepernick has said that he plans to stand for the NFL pre-game national anthem next season.

Related: Despite protest controversy, Colin Kaepernick just won a significant award with the 49ers

From ESPN:

Kaepernick no longer wants his method of protest to detract from the positive change that he believes has been created, sources told ESPN. He also believes the amount of national discussion on social inequality — as well as support from other athletes nationwide, including NFL and NBA players — affirmed the message he was trying to deliver.

This is a weird twist in all the controversy that has been surrounding Kaepernick, as the quarterback notably started kneeling during the national anthem during the NFL preseason as a form of protest against racism and police brutality, among other things. Kaepernick's protest continued throughout the season, and many wondered how it would impact his standing with other teams during a potential free agency.