Colin Kaepernick was a National Football League (NFL) starting quarterback. He played for the San Francisco 49ers between 2011 and 2016. It’s the only team he played for as he joined them from his college team Nevada. The last he played for the 49ers was in 2017. Currently, he is a free agent.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
The question ‘Where is Colin Kaepernick now” crops up over and over. But before we answer that, let’s find out what happened first.
People Also Read: Black Sprinters: The Top 10 Fastest Athletes In The World
What Happened to Colin Kaepernick?
As mentioned, the quarterback last played in the league in 2017. This came at the back of a 2016 season when he sat and then started kneeling during the American national anthem in protest of police brutality.
In interviews, he argued that he wouldn’t stand up for a flag that oppressed minorities. His actions spread across the game as more players took a knee throughout the season.
However, a part of the population was displeased by his actions. At the time, the former President of the United States, Donald Trump, said that Kaepernick and everyone who disrespected the flag should leave the country.
The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also condemned the player, saying he disrespected the members of the military personnel and the flag.
Kaepernick’s contract at the San Fransico 49ers was coming to an end. As a result of the dispute, he opted out of it. The result was he became a free-agent market but no team signed him.
People Also Read: Top 12 African Players In The Premier League In 2023
What Did Colin Kaepernick Do?
After he failed to land a team for the 2017 NFL season, Kaepernick filed a lawsuit against the NFL. He claimed that he was deliberately being denied work due to his protest.
The case dragged on for two years, and in 2019, the NFL and the player’s lawyers reached a settlement. Details of the settlement weren’t made public due to confidentially agreements, but it’s thought that the league paid him tens of millions due to the loss of income, amongst other factors.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.
Where Is Colin Kaepernick Now?
Not playing in the NFL didn’t stop Kaerpernick’s course. He still speaks about racial inequalities in the United States. He was signed by the AthletesSpeakers, where he reportedly earns between $45,000 and $75,000 for every speech he makes.
Additionally, he’s engaged in charity work through his foundation, the Colin Kaepernick Foundation. And he continues his work in social activism and to highlight racial oppression.
Colin Kaepernick captured his experience in the book “Colin Kaepernick: Change the Game,” in which he talks about his NFL career.
People Also Read: What Team Does Jude Bellingham Play For?
Will Colin Kaepernick Play Football Again?
The quarterback feels that he has some unfinished business with the NFL. In multiple interviews, he’s stated his desire to return, even as a backup quarterback. The athlete is ready to put in the work and find his footing again. All he wants is an opportunity.
It’s difficult to see how any team in the league will sign him after seven years of inactivity. Another argument that’s been made is that he might be a ‘distraction’ to a squad as a result of his activism, a narrative he has disputed.
It’s unfortunate that Colin Kaepernick lost his football career due to his stance on racism. Some argue that the politicization of sport should stop; others say it is a platform that should be used to raise awareness of social issues. What do you think?
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire and empower you! The future of black media is a critical piece of the black experience of today! Our primary audience includes African American, African, Afro-Caribbean and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
