Colin Kaepernick: Stephen Curry misses former San Francisco 49ers QB

Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry posted #FreeKaep on Instagram Sunday during the San Francisco 49ers game.

The two-time NBA MVP grew up in Charlotte, N.C. and is a diehard Carolina Panthers fan. While he enjoyed watching his Panthers win the contest 23-3 at Levi's Stadium in Santa, Clara, he did wish that former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was still on the sidelines.

"#FreeKaep," Curry wrote on an Instagram story photo of the 49ers' midfield logo.

His Instagram story also featured a session in egg cooking, showing off his Cam Newton shoes, playing cornhole at a tailgate party, hanging out with chef Michael Mina and cheering loudly for the Panthers.

"Ohhh! There they go," Curry said on his Instagram story while watching the Panthers take the field. "I see you."

Before the game, Curry spoke to the Charlotte Observer. He told the newspaper that he thinks Kaepernick should be on a roster.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry wrote "#freekaep" Sunday on his Instagram story post. Photo courtesy of Stephen Curry/Instagram

"He definitely should be in the NFL," Curry told the Observer. "If you've been around the NFL, the top 64 quarterbacks, and he's not one of them? Then I don't know what game I'm watching."

"Obviously his stance and his peaceful protest when he was playing here kind of shook up the world and I think for the better. But hopefully he gets back in the league - because he deserves to be here and he deserves an opportunity to play. He's in his prime and can make a team better."

Curry told the Observer that he hoped "all that [Kaepernick has] gone through in the past year actually leads to some awakening."

Kaepernick, 29, played six seasons for the 49ers. He opted out of the final year of his contract in March. That deal would have paid him $16.9 million.

Brian Hoyer completed 24-of-35 passes for 193 yards and threw an interception in the 49ers' loss.