Did Colin Kaepernick get a job in the NFL? That’s the question that’s been on everyone’s lips for years. After giving up his career -or having it taken away from him depending on who you ask- due to his activism, Colin has been a polarizing figure in the sports world. While some have praised his courage and commitment to social justice, others have criticized his methods, with some even going so far as to label him as unpatriotic. Nevertheless, the news of potentially getting a job back in the NFL has been widely celebrated among his supporters, and has been a subject of intense scrutiny among his critics.
For those unfamiliar with Kaepernick, let me start by giving you a brief summary of his story. Colin Kaepernick is a former NFL quarterback who gained national attention for his peaceful protests against police brutality and racial injustice. During a game in 2016, he began to kneel during the national anthem as a form of silent protest. This act sparked controversy and led to widespread criticism, with many condemning him for what they saw as a lack of respect for the country and its flag. The debate over Kaepernick’s actions eventually spilled over into politics and social discourse, with the issue of national anthem protests becoming a lightning rod for heated discussions.
Despite being on the sidelines for over three years, the subject of whether or not Kaepernick would get a job in the NFL has remained a hot topic. However, with the recent news of him being offered a workout by the league, it seems that the narrative might finally be changing. But what does this mean for Kaepernick and his supporters, and how will the NFL as a whole respond to this development? These are just a few of the many questions surrounding Colin and his potential comeback. So buckle up folks, because the ride is about to get even more interesting.
Colin Kaepernick’s NFL Career
Colin Kaepernick became known in the NFL for his unique skills as a quarterback, particularly his mobility and ability to make big plays. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011 and quickly rose to prominence, leading the team to back-to-back NFC Championship games in his first two years as a starter.
However, Kaepernick’s on-field success was often overshadowed by his off-field activism. In 2016, he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality, sparking a nationwide controversy. Despite the backlash, Kaepernick continued to speak out and use his platform to advocate for social justice.
- In 2017, Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the 49ers and became a free agent.
- He has not played in the NFL since, leading to speculation that he has been blackballed by teams for his political views.
- In 2019, Kaepernick settled a collusion lawsuit with the NFL, in which he alleged that teams had colluded to keep him out of the league.
Despite his absence from the NFL, Kaepernick’s impact on the league and on society as a whole cannot be denied. He has inspired countless athletes and activists to use their voices for change, and his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.
Kaepernick’s National Anthem Protest
Colin Kaepernick made headlines when he refused to stand during the national anthem before NFL games. His protest was against police brutality and racial injustice in America. This act caused national debate and backlash, with some people seeing it as disrespectful to the country and the military. Others saw it as a powerful way to bring attention to important issues.
- Kaepernick explained his protest in an interview with NFL Media, saying “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”
- He also drew attention to police shootings of unarmed black men across the country, saying “This is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
- Kaepernick’s protest spread throughout the league, with other players joining in by kneeling, raising fists, or linking arms during the national anthem.
Despite the controversy, Kaepernick’s protest sparked important conversations and brought attention to issues that needed to be addressed. However, it also led to criticism from those who saw it as disrespectful and ultimately may have played a role in his struggle to find a job in the NFL.
| Year | Team | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | San Francisco 49ers | 2,241 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, 4 interceptions |
| 2017 | N/A | N/A |
| 2018 | N/A | N/A |
| 2019 | N/A | N/A |
| 2020 | N/A | N/A |
Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season, with many NFL teams citing his protest as a reason for not signing him. Despite this, Kaepernick’s protest continues to inspire and spark change, with athletes across all sports speaking out against social injustice and using their platforms to bring attention to important causes.
Colin Kaepernick’s Workout for NFL Teams
On November 16, 2019, Colin Kaepernick held a workout for NFL teams at the Charles R. Drew High School in Riverdale, Georgia. The workout was initially supposed to be held at the Atlanta Falcons’ practice facility, but it was later changed due to Kaepernick’s team’s concerns about the waiver that the NFL wanted him to sign. Despite the changes in venue and the controversy surrounding the workout, there were still representatives from at least eight teams in attendance.
- The Workout Format
- The Impressions and Reactions from Teams
- The Aftermath and Long-Term Implications
Kaepernick’s workout consisted of on-field drills, including throwing passes to wide receivers, and measurements, such as the 40-yard dash and vertical jump. The workout was attended by former NFL head coach Hue Jackson, who designed the drills, and by Kaepernick’s personal team, who filmed the workout and provided the throwing targets. Kaepernick wore a “Kunta Kinte” T-shirt during the workout, which was seen as a reference to the enslaved African protagonist in Roots.
After the workout, Kaepernick addressed the media and said that he was ready to play for any team that would have him. The opinions of Kaepernick’s performance were mixed, with some teams saying that he had good velocity and accuracy in his throws, while others said that he looked rusty and out of shape. Some teams also expressed concerns about Kaepernick’s off-field activism and his potential impact on team morale. Despite the mixed reviews, however, Kaepernick did not receive any job offers immediately after the workout.
After the workout, Kaepernick’s team sent video footage of the workout to all 32 NFL teams, in an effort to showcase his abilities and improve his chances of getting signed. However, as of 2021, there has been no official announcement about a team signing Kaepernick. Some have speculated that the workout was a public relations stunt by the NFL to deflect criticism about Kaepernick’s former blacklisting, while others have argued that Kaepernick’s activism and social justice stance have made him too controversial for some teams to take on.
Overall, Kaepernick’s workout for NFL teams was a highly publicized event that generated a lot of attention and controversy. While it did not result in Kaepernick receiving a job offer from a team, it did highlight the ongoing debate about his skills and influence as a player, as well as the NFL’s stance on social justice issues.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Kaepernick has proven himself to be a skilled quarterback in the past, with a record of leading the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl. | Some teams may be hesitant to take on Kaepernick due to concerns about his activism and the potential for controversy and backlash from fans. |
| Kaepernick’s activism and social justice work have gained him a large following and made him an influential figure off the field. | Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season, which may have affected his skills and abilities as a player. |
Despite the pros and cons of signing Kaepernick, the fact remains that he is still without a job in the NFL, for reasons that are both related and unrelated to his skills as a quarterback. Whether he will ever see another chance to play in the NFL remains to be seen.
NFL Teams that Showed Interest in Colin Kaepernick
When Colin Kaepernick became a free agent in 2017, many NFL teams expressed interest in signing him. Despite being out of the league for three years, several teams recognized his talent and potential contribution to their team. Here are four NFL teams that showed interest in signing Colin Kaepernick:
- Seattle Seahawks: The Seattle Seahawks were the first team to show interest in Kaepernick. In May 2017, they brought him in for a workout but ultimately decided not to sign him.
- Baltimore Ravens: The Baltimore Ravens also expressed interest in Kaepernick in 2017. The team’s head coach, John Harbaugh, stated that he had spoken to Kaepernick and believed he was “a really good football player.” However, the Ravens ended up signing a different quarterback instead.
- Miami Dolphins: In August 2017, the Miami Dolphins brought Kaepernick in for a workout. While the team did not sign him, their interest in him showed that they saw him as a potential backup quarterback.
- New England Patriots: In September 2019, the New England Patriots reportedly expressed interest in Kaepernick but did not end up signing him. The team already had veteran quarterback Tom Brady on their roster but may have been considering Kaepernick as a backup option.
While these four teams were the most public with their interest in Kaepernick, it’s likely that other teams considered signing him as well. Ultimately, however, Kaepernick remained a free agent and did not play in the NFL during the 2017, 2018, or 2019 seasons.
Criticism and Support for Colin Kaepernick
Colin Kaepernick is a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, who took a knee during the national anthem to protest against racial injustice in 2016. Since then, Kaepernick has been unable to secure a job in the NFL, leading to a range of reactions from both supporters and critics.
- Criticism: The most common criticism aimed at Kaepernick is that he is ‘unpatriotic’ and ‘disrespectful’ to the American flag and military. Critics argue that Kaepernick’s protest is disrespectful to those who have served and died for the country. President Trump even called for NFL owners to fire any player who protests during the national anthem.
- Support: Kaepernick’s supporters argue that his protest is not about the flag or the military, but rather about systemic racism and police brutality towards African Americans. They point out that Kaepernick has never disrespected the military, but has consistently spoken out against social injustice and inequality. Numerous celebrities and athletes have spoken out in support of Kaepernick, including LeBron James, Ava DuVernay, and Serena Williams.
Despite the divide between the two sides, the issue has stirred up important conversations around systemic racism and the role of activism in sports.
Moreover, Kaepernick’s inability to secure an NFL job has highlighted the NFL’s uneasy relationship with protest and activism. A study by The Undefeated found that only 7% of NFL team owners, presidents, and executives are people of color. This has led to concerns that the NFL is not doing enough to address racial inequality within its own ranks.
| Criticism | Support |
|---|---|
| Calls of disrespect towards flag and military | Focus on systemic racism and police brutality |
| Drawing criticism from President Trump | Support from numerous celebrities and athletes |
| Highlighting NFL’s uneasy relationship with protest | Starting important conversations around racial injustice |
The controversy surrounding Colin Kaepernick and his protests during the national anthem has revealed deep divides in American society. Whether you support his protest or not, it is clear that Kaepernick’s actions have sparked meaningful discussions around systemic racism and the role of activism in sports.
The Impact of Kaepernick’s Protest on the NFL
Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem at NFL games in 2016 sparked a significant controversy and conversation that extended beyond football. His protest was aimed at raising awareness about police brutality against African Americans and social inequality. However, his actions disrupted the dynamics of the NFL, the league’s relationship with players, and ultimately affected his future in the sport.
- Player protests and league reaction: Kaepernick’s protest inspired other athletes to speak up about social justice issues. Many players followed Kaepernick’s lead by kneeling, sitting, or raising a fist during the anthem. The NFL struggled to find a unified response and eventually released a statement condemning protests but also recognizing the players’ rights to peaceful protest.
- Sponsorship and viewership: Kaepernick’s protest triggered a movement beyond the field and reignited a national conversation about racial justice, which created an adverse impact on the NFL’s revenue. The league faced a backlash from some of its fans, who boycotted games and merchandise as a result of the protests.
- Free agency and teams’ reluctance to sign Kaepernick: Kaepernick became a free agent and struggled to find a new team. There are ongoing debates as to whether NFL teams are unwilling to sign Kaepernick because of his activism. However, other factors, such as his skill level, may also be a reason why he remains unsigned.
Kaepernick’s protest highlighted issues of racial injustice and social inequality in America. The impact of his protest brought the country together in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter, but it also sparked division in the NFL. The league’s handling of the protest sent a strong message to the public, players, and sponsors about the NFL’s stance on social and political issues. Kaepernick’s activism became a lightning rod in the culture wars, and its fallout remains part of the league’s history.
Yet still, Kaepernick’s protest opened up a new era of athlete activism that is more accepted today than it was in 2016. Players are more vocal in expressing their views on a variety of political and social issues, from police brutality to LGBTQ rights, and the league has created a social justice initiative. The impact of Kaepernick’s protest has become a landmark moment in sports history that has raised awareness about racial justice, but it also underscores the need to continue to strive for equity and justice in America.
Colin Kaepernick’s Current Ventures Outside of the NFL
Although Colin Kaepernick has not been signed to an NFL team since his controversial kneeling during the national anthem in 2016, he has remained active in various ventures outside of football. Here are some of his current endeavors:
Philanthropy
- Kaepernick established the “Know Your Rights” Camp in 2016, which hosts free events in various cities to educate and empower young people of color.
- He pledged to donate $1 million to organizations working in oppressed communities, and has followed through on that promise by donating to various causes such as the personal protective equipment initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Kaepernick was recently named a board member of the social justice non-profit organization, Reform Alliance.
Literary Work
Kaepernick has released a memoir titled “The New York Times bestseller,” which chronicles his journey from growing up in Turlock, California to his activism on and off the field.
Film and Television
Kaepernick has partnered with Director Ava DuVernay to bring his life story to Netflix in a scripted series titled “Colin in Black & White.”
Fashion and Merchandise
Kaepernick has collaborated with Nike to release his own signature shoe. He has also released a line of clothing featuring the “I’m With Kap” slogan.
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Know Your Rights Tee | A black t-shirt featuring the words “Know Your Rights” in bold white text. |
| AF1 x Colin Kaepernick | A black and white Nike Air Force 1 sneaker with signature Kaepernick symbols such as a raised fist and a portrait of young Kaepernick inside. |
| The “I’m With Kap” Jersey Tee | A white t-shirt with the number 7 on the back and the phrase “I’m With Kap” on the front, available in multiple colors. |
Despite being out of football for several years, Colin Kaepernick has remained active and influential in multiple industries.
FAQs about Did Colin Kaepernick Get a Job in the NFL
1. Did Colin Kaepernick get a job in the NFL?
As of now, Colin Kaepernick is still a free agent and has not been signed by any NFL team.
2. Why is Colin Kaepernick not playing in the NFL?
Colin Kaepernick is not playing in the NFL due to various reasons, including his decision to kneel during the national anthem as a form of protest against racial injustice.
3. Has Colin Kaepernick been blacklisted by the NFL?
Many people believe that Colin Kaepernick has been blacklisted by the NFL due to his protests, but the NFL denies any such claims.
4. Are any NFL teams interested in signing Colin Kaepernick?
There have been rumors about some NFL teams showing interest in signing Colin Kaepernick, but nothing has materialized yet.
5. How long has Colin Kaepernick been out of the NFL?
Colin Kaepernick has been out of the NFL since 2016 when he opted out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
6. Will Colin Kaepernick ever play in the NFL again?
It is unclear if Colin Kaepernick will ever play in the NFL again, but his fans and supporters hope that he will get another chance.
7. What has Colin Kaepernick been doing since he left the NFL?
Since leaving the NFL, Colin Kaepernick has been actively involved in various social causes and has become a prominent advocate for racial justice and equality.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for reading about Colin Kaepernick and his journey with the NFL. While it is uncertain if he will ever play in the NFL again, his impact on the league and society cannot be denied. We hope you will join us again for more news and updates on this topic.