It’s Been More Than 7 Years Since Colin Kaepernick Has Thrown a Pass in The NFL. Here is Why He is Not Retiring

Will the exiled son of the NFL ever get to step foot on the gridiron ever again? This is the story of Colin Kaepernick, who chose to side with his own political beliefs rather than stay silent on what matters to him the most. Fates were unkind to him, but even if his career was demolished, his faith and determination shine as bright till this very day.

Colin Kaepernick, the former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was released from the team back in 2016 for taking a knee in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ protest during the high tensions revolving around issues of racial injustice. His speaking up led to the fall of Kaepernick’s glorious career which could’ve gone on to be one of the greatest ever. And now, in a recent statement, he answers why he hasn’t announced his retirement despite it being 7 years since his exit from the NFL.

Colin Kaepernick’s sentimental words for refusing to retire and persisting

After 7 years of brutal sidelining by the NFL, Colin Kaepernick chose to come out of the shadows and make an appeal to the New York Jets to let him join the squad. Back in 2023, the newest QB Aaron Rodgers suffered a ruptured Achilles during his debut match against the Buffalo Bills. In a letter that soon garnered the views of the entire NFL community, Kaepernick penned down his request to let him replace A-Rod and try to redeem himself.

Kaepernick was humiliated when the Jets declined his offer and banked on one of their other QBs, Zach Wilson. Now, after almost 6 months, Kaepernick decided to reply to the questions posed by the fans about why he chooses to continue to hope for a career in the league even when it has knocked down the former QB several times.

His response was, “Unlike many of the veteran QBs that have been named in the media, I’ve never retired or stopped training. My training schedule has remained the same for 6 years; Monday through Friday, 5 am-8 am training on the field and in the weight room. I’ve kept this training schedule without failure for the past 6 years, in hopes that an opportunity will present itself.” Thus, as he continues his ongoing fight against better opportunities for black people in America and sports alike, he will not let go of that one ray of hope that tells him he’ll be a football player again someday.

With all that said, recent rumors were suggesting that Kaepernick might be making a coaching debut with the LA Chargers under Jim Harbaugh but former linebacker for the team called it a “horrible” decision.

Shawne Merriman brutally responds to the rumors of Kaepernick joining the Chargers as a coach

Kaepernick’s return to the football field has been long overdue, but if he doesn’t get to don a number 7 jersey anytime soon, he could very well join the coaches on the sideline and still be close to football. Moreover, Kaepernick’s addition to the LA Chargers was suggested since Harbaugh and he used to have history back with the 49ers. Additionally, Kaepernick also appeared in 2022 during the Wolverines’ spring game, which just goes to show that Harbaugh could be open to the idea.

In response to these claims, Shawn Merriman shut them down immediately and said that Kaepernick wouldn’t be qualified enough for the job. He said, “Absolutely not. And I think it would be a horrible decision. You got a lot of people out there putting in the time, putting in the effort, and is waiting in line for those jobs and more qualified for those jobs. And to jump over everybody else who spent their time, energy, still in line and work their way up, would just be a slap in the face to everyone that’s been committed to raising the bar.” Even if the former linebacker is dissatisfied with the possibility, the fans would love to see Kaepernick make a comeback to the field even if it is as a staff member.

Read more: 2024 NFL Draft Rumors: Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh in Talks with the Vikings to Trade #5 Pick for JJ McCarthy

Will Colin Kaepernick make his much-anticipated return to the gridiron soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.