Despite six and a half years of being sidelined by the NFL, Colin Kaepernick continues to search for an opportunity to play. The now 35-year-old quarterback was released from the league in 2016 following a controversial protest, but he firmly believes his career is far from over. In addition to recent headlines surrounding the publication of his book and an upcoming arcade game for his online fans this October, Kaepernick has aspirations that extend beyond these endeavors.
Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attending Pitman High School, he showcased his remarkable athleticism as a multi-sport star, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. Being unable to pursue his dreams of playing in the NFL must be profoundly disheartening for him. To fulfill his wishes, he once made a plea to the massive $143 billion-dollar league, to show him some mercy.
Seven years and still hoping to get signed….
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Since parting ways with the San Francisco 49ers after the 2016 season, Colin Kaepernick, the former quarterback, who protested against police brutality towards minorities by kneeling during the national anthem, has remained unsigned. In an interview with former NFL stars Chad Johnson and Brandon Marshall, Kaepernick expressed his burning desire to make a return to the NFL, emphasizing his dedication and years of training behind the scenes to stay prepared at the highest level.
Despite his readiness to come back, he acknowledges, “I know I have to find my way back in, so if I have to come in as a backup, that’s fine.” He added, “Let me come in and compete and show you what I can do.” In another interview with Sports Illustrated, the 35-year-old athlete shared that he maintains a rigorous workout schedule, hoping for an opportunity to return to the NFL. However, the question persists: Why has he not received any positive news from the league thus far?
What went wrong with Kaepernick?
Colin Kaepernick’s career took a significant turn when he protested on the field for the black community, marking a major turning point. Initially drafted by the 49ers in 2011, Kaepernick played a key role in leading the team to the Super Bowl during his first year as a starter. However, his career hit a roadblock in 2016 when he chose to kneel during the national anthem as a means to raise awareness about police brutality and racial injustice.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Since then, Kaepernick has focused on activism and advocating for social justice. Although he filed a lawsuit against the NFL in 2017, alleging collusion to keep him out of the league, it was settled. However, he remains unsigned to this day, raising questions about his skill level (since he hasn’t played since 2017) and future intentions, as he is not very forthcoming in interviews. As a result, teams may be hesitant to take a risk and sign him.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
These factors, combined with the unpredictable nature of his playing style and his past activities, may be potential reasons why he has not been signed by any team, despite his public plea for a second chance in the NFL.
Watch this story: 10,0000 GB Away From Reality, Colin Kaepernick’s October Revolution Pays Homage to Bob Marley