“Colin [Kaepernick] is Loved and Appreciated”: Nessa Diab Celebrates “Blackballed” Ex-49er Boyfriend With a Heartfelt Message

Seven long years have gone by since former San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick knelt in protest against police brutality during the national anthem. Since then, he hasn’t been able to land himself in any other NFL teams, after having been allegedly ‘blacklisted’ by the NFL.

Whether or not the NFL is holding a bias towards him, Kaepernick still has undying support from his girlfriend Nessa who stood by him through thick and thin. Earlier in 2020, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted that the league was wrong for “not listening to NFL players earlier” and that they could then “speak out and peacefully protest.” But for Nessa, the wrong still isn’t made right as Kaepernick remains a free agent up to this day. 

Nessa’s support for Colin Kaepernick shines amidst adversity

Kaepernick may not be in the NFL right now because of the past kneeling scenario where he knelt during the national anthem. But he’s making a name for himself somewhere else and GF Nessa is happy to showcase his achievement as he lands himself as the cover star of Unseen’s second GQ March issue. Nessa shunned the hate and put Kaepernick on a pedestal in her new IG post of him where she captioned, “It’s so bitter sweet when globally Colin is loved and appreciated… Hell, he’s STILL blackballed from his hard earned career by that organization for protesting against police violence. From the blackmailing to the co-opting, to all of it, it’ll never sit right with me.”

The New York Jets finally settled on Joe Flacco as the backup QB to Sam Darnold. And with Colin Kaepernick left out despite speculations that he could be returning to the NFL with the Jets, people are thinking that the 36-year-old former 49ers QB is still blackballed. However, not everyone thinks Kaepernick is blacklisted.

Did Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling lead to him being ‘banned’ by the NFL?

Sports executive Dr. Harvey Schiller who was a Brigadier General serving the US Air Force for over 25 years believes that the kneeling didn’t blacklist the former NFL QB. He said of Kaepernick’s situation, “I leave that up to GMs and the owners. My experience has been, if you can help me win, I’ll sign you. If he can win for someone, they’ll sign him. I can’t make that determination. I don’t know how good a player (he) is now.” 

READ MORE: 2024 NFL Draft: What Are the Landing Challenges for UNC Star Drake Maye?

The last time Kaepernick played in the NFL was in 2016 throwing for 2,241 yards and 16 touchdowns. Though impressive, these stats did not land him in the eyes of any NFL team owner. Even though he may not be part of the league right now, he’s still an inspiration to people.

WATCH THIS STORY: Jim Harbaugh Hit With Disappointing News Just Two Days Before Rose Bowl Clash With Alabama