Titans' Jones fearful of being labelled 'a Kaepernick' for protesting

Tennessee Titans defensive lineman DaQuan Jones is worried that the stigma surrounding Colin Kaepernick's activism will be held against him, if he continues to lobby against police brutality and racial inequality.

Jones was one of four Titans players who raised their fist during the national anthem last season, promoting awareness of racial injustice in the United States.

Ahead of the upcoming season, Jones is hesitant to continue his protest, fearful of being blacklisted from the league.

"It's going to affect your job, your endorsements and your money," Jones said via ESPN's Cameron Wolfe. "Someone like me, going into my fourth year, I'm trying to get paid too. A lot of teams will look down at that and say, 'He's a Colin Kaepernick.'"

Titans receiver Rishard Matthews echoed Jones' sentiment, believing that players are fearful of losing their jobs if they continue to protest.

"I know there are guys who want to take a knee or stand up as well, but a lot of people come to this league from nothing. Job security is everything," Matthews said. "It's not a secret that guys who protest on teams might be gone."

Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey said in the wake of the events in Charlottesville, Va., players shouldn't be fearful of taking a stand.

"The Charlottesville thing over the weekend with the riots really caught my eye. It's very disgusting what's definitely going on," Casey said. "We can't be afraid to voice our opinions about this."

Numerous players around the league have joined Kaepernick's protest and it'll be compelling to see if the Jones and the Titans maintain their efforts this year.