Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for national anthem wins praise from ‘black power’-saluting Olympians

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand up during the national anthem has earned him a full-fisted salute from two iconic former Olympians.

John Carlos and Tommie Smith touched off a firestorm when they each raised a black-gloved fist in the air in a “black power” salute during the 1968 Olympics medal ceremony.

“He’s pushing for the same thing we pushed for 48 years ago, which is more dialogue and discussion,” Carlos, 71, told the Daily News Tuesday. “Let’s talk about the issues rather than talk around the issues. He has a tremendous amount of courage.”

Smith offered a similar take in an interview with The News.

“He’s taken a stand,” said Smith, 72. “I support the idea of what he’s doing — you better believe it. But now he’s got to stand up to the forces which are out front to destroy his reputation.”

Kaepernick drew a furious backlash after he refused to rise during “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the 49ers’ preseason loss to the Packers.

The bi-racial signal caller said he remained seated in silent protest against “a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

Kaepernick has taken a defiant stance amid the criticism — insisting he has no plans to stand during the anthem anytime soon.

“When there’s significant change, and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way it’s supposed to, I’ll stand,” Kaepernick said.

In the wake of Kaepernick’s dramatic statement, he was immediately compared to Carlos and Smith.

After their medal ceremony salute, the pair was expelled from the Olympics and brandished traitors to their country.

But their courage has since been rewarded.

Carlos and Smith were honored with an Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2008 Espy Awards.

Speaking, Carlos said Kaepernick now belongs in the same conversation as other civil rights icons.

“I equate him with Rosa Parks,” Carlos said. “He risked a whole bunch of money to stand behind the symbolism of why Rosa Parks stayed seated on that bus.”