Jump to content

Colin Kaepernick

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Marcocapelle (talk | contribs) at 16:28, 9 March 2024 (External links: Category merged per Wikipedia:Categories_for_discussion/Log/2024_February_26#Category:American_social_activists). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Colin Kaepernick
refer to caption
Kaepernick with the 49ers in 2012
No. 7
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1987-11-03) November 3, 1987 (age 37)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
High school:Pitman (Turlock, California)
College:Nevada (2006–2010)
NFL draft:2011 / round: 2 / pick: 36
Career history
Career highlights and awards
  • WAC Offensive Player of the Year (2008, 2010)
NFL records
  • Rushing yards by a quarterback in a game: 181
  • Rushing yards by a quarterback in a postseason: 264
Career NFL statistics
Passing attempts:1,692
Passing completions:1,011
Completion percentage:59.8%
TDINT:72–30
Passing yards:12,271
Passer rating:88.9
Rushing yards:2,300
Rushing touchdowns:13
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Colin Rand Kaepernick (/ˈkæpərnɪk/ KAP-ər-nik;[1] born November 3, 1987) is an American civil rights activist and former football quarterback. He played six seasons for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). In 2016, he knelt during the national anthem at the start of NFL games in protest of police brutality and racial inequality in the United States.[2][3][4]

Kaepernick played college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack, where he was named the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Offensive Player of the Year twice and became the only player in NCAA Division I history to amass 10,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards in a career. After graduating, he was selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Kaepernick began his professional football career as a backup quarterback to Alex Smith, and became the 49ers' starter in the middle of the 2012 season after Smith suffered a concussion. He then remained the team's starting quarterback for the rest of the season, leading the team to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1994. During the 2013 season, his first full season as a starter, Kaepernick helped the 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game. Over the next three seasons, Kaepernick lost and won back his starting quarterback job, with the 49ers missing the playoffs for three seasons.

In the 49ers' third preseason game in 2016, Kaepernick sat during the playing of the U.S. national anthem prior to the game, rather than stand as is customary, as a protest against racial injustice, police brutality and oppression in the country.[5][6] The following week, and throughout the regular season, Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem. The protests received highly polarized reactions, with some praising his protests and others denouncing the protests. The actions resulted in a wider protest movement, which intensified in September 2017 after President Donald Trump said that NFL owners should "fire" players who protest during the national anthem.[7][8] Kaepernick became a free agent after the season and remained unsigned, which numerous analysts and observers have attributed to political reasons.[9] In November 2017, he filed a grievance against the NFL and its owners, accusing them of collusion in keeping him out of the league. In August 2018, arbitrator Stephen B. Burbank rejected the NFL's request to dismiss the case.[10][11][12] Kaepernick withdrew the grievance in February 2019 after reaching a confidential settlement with the NFL. His protests received renewed attention in 2020 amid the George Floyd protests against police brutality and racism, but he remains unsigned by any professional football team.

Early life

Kaepernick was born in 1987 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to 19-year-old Heidi Russo, who is a white American.[13][14] His birth father, who is a black American (of Ghanaian, Nigerian, and Ivorian ancestry) and whose identity is unknown,[15] separated from Russo before Kaepernick was born.[16][17][18] Russo placed Kaepernick up for adoption and at 5 weeks old he was placed with a white couple named Rick and Teresa Kaepernick.[19] The couple had two biological children: son Kyle and daughter Devon. The Kaepernicks decided to adopt a boy after losing two other sons to heart defects.[16][20][21]

Kaepernick lived in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, until age four, when his family moved to California.[22][23] When he was eight years old, Kaepernick began playing youth football as a defensive end and punter. At age nine, he was the starting quarterback on his youth team, and he completed his first pass for a long touchdown.[22] A 4.0 GPA student[24] at John H. Pitman High School in Turlock, California, Kaepernick played football, basketball and baseball and was nominated for all-state selection in all three sports his senior year.[25] In his senior year, he was the most valuable player (MVP) of the Central California Conference in football.[26][27] In basketball, he was a first-team All-CCC selection at forward and led his 16th-ranked team to a near upset of No. 1-ranked Oak Ridge High School in the opening round of the playoffs. In that game, Kaepernick scored 34 points, but future NBA player Ryan Anderson of Oak Ridge scored 50 points to lead his team to a victory.[28]

College career

Kaepernick received most of his high school accolades as a baseball pitcher.[29] He received several scholarship offers in that sport, but he wanted to play college football.[22] The University of Nevada, Reno was the only college to offer him a football scholarship, and Kaepernick signed with Nevada in February 2006.[23]

Kaepernick started his college career in 2007 with the Wolf Pack as a back-up quarterback, playing in 11 of the team's 13 games. He finished the season with 19 passing touchdowns, three interceptions and 2,175 passing yards, garnering a 53.8% completion percentage. Kaepernick also added 593 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns as Nevada finished 6–7.[30][31]

As a sophomore, Kaepernick recorded 2,849 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions, 1,130 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns.[32] He became just the sixth player in NCAA history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 or more yards in a single season.[33] At the Humanitarian Bowl, he had 370 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 15 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown, earning the game's MVP award despite his team losing the game.[34] At the conclusion of the game, Kaepernick was designated the WAC Offensive Player of the Year.[35] He was the first sophomore to win this award since Marshall Faulk of San Diego State did in 1992.[36]

In the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, Kaepernick was selected in the 43rd round by the Chicago Cubs.[37] He decided that he wanted to continue to play football at the University of Nevada and did not sign with the Cubs.[38]

Kaepernick finished his junior season with 2,052 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, six interceptions 1,183 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns.[39] Kaepernick led the Wolf Pack to an 8–5 record and a second-place finish in the WAC behind undefeated Boise State.[40] He was named second-team All-WAC quarterback for the season.

Kaepernick in 2010

On November 26, 2010, Kaepernick led his team to a 34–31 overtime victory against the previously undefeated Boise State Broncos, snapping their 24-game win streak that had dated back to the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl.[41] This game was played on Nevada's senior night, the final home game for Kaepernick. Nevada Head Coach Chris Ault would later call this game the "most important win in program history".[citation needed]

Kaepernick ended his senior season with 3,022 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, 1,206 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.[42] He joined Florida's Tim Tebow as the second quarterback in FBS history to have 20 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns in the same season.[43] Nevada claimed a share of the WAC title after defeating Louisiana Tech. Kaepernick was named WAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year with Kellen Moore, who had won the award in 2009.[44]

Kaepernick finished his collegiate career with 10,098 passing yards, 82 passing touchdowns, 24 interceptions, 4,112 rushing yards and 59 rushing touchdowns.[45] He became the first quarterback in the history of Division I FBS college football to have passed for over 10,000 yards and rushed for over 4,000 yards in a collegiate career, a feat that has not been duplicated.[46] He also tied former Nebraska quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch for most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in FBS history.[47]

Kaepernick maintained a 4.0 grade point average during his college years and graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in business management.[48] After his senior season, Kaepernick was eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft.

College statistics

Season Team GP Passing Rushing
Cmp Att Pct Yds TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2006 Nevada 0 Redshirted
2007 Nevada 11 133 247 53.8 2,175 19 3 150.8 105 593 5.6 6
2008 Nevada 13 208 383 54.3 2,849 22 7 132.1 161 1,130 7.0 17
2009 Nevada 13 166 282 58.9 2,052 20 6 139.1 161 1,183 7.3 16
2010 Nevada 14 233 359 64.9 3,022 21 8 150.5 173 1,206 7.0 20
Career 51 740 1,271 58.2 10,098 82 24 142.5 600 4,112 6.9 59

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 4+58 in
(1.95 m)
233 lb
(106 kg)
33+12 in
(0.85 m)
9+18 in
(0.23 m)
4.63 s 1.63 s 2.71 s 4.18 s 6.85 s 32.5 in
(0.83 m)
9 ft 7 in
(2.92 m)
All values from NFL Combine[49][50]

San Francisco 49ers

On April 29, 2011, the San Francisco 49ers traded up with the Denver Broncos from the thirteenth pick in the second round (45th overall) to select Kaepernick as the fourth pick in the second round (36th overall) at the 2011 NFL Draft. The Broncos received picks 45, 108, and 141 overall in exchange for the 36th overall pick.[51]

2011 season

Kaepernick spent the 2011 season as backup to Alex Smith and attempted just five passes in three games during the season.[52]

2012 season

In 2012, Kaepernick was initially used sparingly to run certain plays. He scored his first career touchdown in the team's fourth game when he scored on a seven-yard run against the New York Jets.[53][54] In Week 10, against the St. Louis Rams, Kaepernick replaced Smith in the second half of the game after he suffered a concussion in the first half. Kaepernick completed eleven of seventeen passes for 117 yards and added 66 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown as the 49ers and the Rams ended the game in a 24–24 tie.[55] He got his first NFL start the next game on November 19, during a Monday Night Football game against the Chicago Bears at Candlestick Park.[56] Kaepernick completed 16-of-23 for 246 yards with two touchdowns in a 32–7 win against a highly ranked Bears defense.[57] A quarterback controversy began. Smith was ranked third in the NFL in passer rating (104.1), led the league in completion percentage (70%), and had been 19–5–1 as a starter under Harbaugh, while Kaepernick was considered more dynamic with his scrambling ability and arm strength.[58][59] Smith was cleared to play the day before the following game, but Harbaugh chose not to rush him back and again started Kaepernick. Kaepernick won NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 15 against the New England Patriots. He passed for 221 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in the 41–34 victory.[60] He remained the starter for the rest of the season and led the 49ers to an 11–4–1 record and a berth in the NFL playoffs.[61][62][63][64]

Kaepernick in Super Bowl XLVII

In his first career postseason start, against the Green Bay Packers, Kaepernick had 263 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, one interception and 181 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns as the 49ers defeated the Packers 45–31. With his performance, he set an NFL single-game record for most rushing yards by a quarterback with 181, breaking Michael Vick's record of 173 in a 2002 regular season game.[65] He also broke the 49ers postseason rushing record, regardless of position and joined Jay Cutler and Otto Graham in both as the only players in NFL history to run for two touchdowns and pass for two others in a playoff game.[66][65] In the NFC Championship, the 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 28–24 with Kaepernick completing 16-of-21 passes for 233 yards and one touchdown.[67] The team advanced to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans against the Baltimore Ravens. Kaepernick threw for 302 yards, one passing touchdown, and ran for a touchdown, but the 49ers fell behind early and could not come back, losing by a score of 34–31.[68] He was ranked 81st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.[69]

2013 season

In the season opener of the 2013 season against the Green Bay Packers, Kaepernick threw for a career-high 412 yards and three touchdowns, the first 400-yard game by a 49ers quarterback since Tim Rattay on October 10, 2004.[70][71] Kaepernick ended the season with 3,197 yards passing, 21 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, 524 yards rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns and led the 49ers to a 12–4 record and a berth in the NFL playoffs.[72]

In the Wild Card Round, the 49ers played the Green Bay Packers. Kaepernick had 227 passing yards, one passing touchdown, one interception and added 98 rushing yards as the 49ers beat the Packers 23–20. In the Divisional Round, against the Carolina Panthers, Kaepernick had 196 passing yards, one passing touchdown, 15 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown as the 49ers beat the Panthers 23–10. In the NFC Championship Game, against eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, Kaepernick had 153 passing yards, one passing touchdown, two interceptions and rushed for 130 yards as the 49ers lost to the Seahawks 23–17, ending the 49ers' season and attempt to return to the Super Bowl.[73][74] He was ranked 81st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.[75]

2014 season

On June 4, Kaepernick signed a six-year contract extension with the 49ers, worth up to $126 million, including $54 million in potential guarantees, and $13 million fully guaranteed.[76]

On September 17, Kaepernick was fined by the NFL for using inappropriate language on the field.[77] On October 9, he was fined $10,000 by the NFL for appearing at a post-game press conference wearing headphones from Beats by Dre, while the league's headphone sponsor was Bose.[78] In a game against the San Diego Chargers, he ran for a 90-yard touchdown.[79] The 49ers finished the season 8–8 and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010.[80] Kaepernick threw for 3,369 yards with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He rushed for 639 yards and one touchdown.[81] Following the season, head coach Jim Harbaugh left to coach the University of Michigan.[82]

2015 season

In 2015, Kaepernick struggled under new head coach Jim Tomsula. A day after a 27–6 collapse at St. Louis in Week 8, Kaepernick lost his starting job to backup Blaine Gabbert for Week 9 against Atlanta.[83] With Gabbert starting as their new quarterback, the 49ers narrowly won 17–16.[84] On November 21, the 49ers announced that Kaepernick would miss the rest of the season because of an injured left shoulder that required surgery.[85] He ended the season with 1,615 yards passing, six passing touchdowns, five interceptions and 256 rushing yards with one rushing touchdown in nine games.[86]

Head coach Tomsula was fired following the season and the 49ers hired Chip Kelly as his replacement.[87] In February 2016, Kaepernick expressed an interest in being traded.[88]

2016 season

Kaepernick was coming off three surgeries entering the 2016 season,[89] needing operations on his thumb and knee in addition to the season-ending shoulder procedure.[90] After having lost weight and muscle mass because of the injuries,[91] he competed for the starting quarterback position with Gabbert.[92] Kelly named Gabbert as the starter to open the season.[93]

Prior to the 49ers Week 6 game against the Buffalo Bills, Kelly announced Kaepernick would start, marking his first start of the season. On October 13, it was announced that he and the 49ers restructured his contract, turning it into a two-year deal with a player option for the next season.[94] He completed 13-of-29 passes, with 187 passing yards, one passing touchdown and 66 rushing yards in the 49ers 45–16 loss to the Buffalo Bills.[95] On November 27, he recorded 296 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and 113 yards rushing in the 49ers' 31–24 loss to the Miami Dolphins.[96] He joined Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Randall Cunningham, and Marcus Mariota as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to record at least three passing touchdowns and 100 yards rushing in a game. In a Week 13 loss to the Chicago Bears, Kaepernick threw a career-low four yards before getting benched for Gabbert.[97] He returned to the starting lineup the following week and threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns in the 49ers' 41–13 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.[98] On December 24, Kaepernick recorded 281 total yards, two passing touchdowns, one interception, one rushing touchdown, and a two-point conversion on the game-winning drive as the 49ers beat the Los Angeles Rams 22–21 to get their first victory on the season with Kaepernick as the starter.[99] For the 2016 NFL season, Kaepernick played twelve games and ended the season with 2,241 passing yards, sixteen passing touchdowns, four interceptions and added 468 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.[100][101]

During the offseason, San Francisco hired Kyle Shanahan from Atlanta to be their new coach.[102] He planned to run the same offense which he ran the previous year with the Falcons, and did not believe that Kaepernick fit the scheme.[103] The 49ers told Kaepernick that they planned to release him.[103][104] On March 3, 2017, he opted out of his contract and became a free agent at the start of the 2017 league year on March 9.[105]

Lawsuit against the NFL and potential NFL future

Following his departure from the 49ers in 2016, Kaepernick went unsigned through the off-season and 2017 training camps, leading to allegations that he was being blackballed because of his on-field political statements as opposed to his performance.[106][107][108][109][110][111] The Seattle Seahawks brought Kaepernick in for a visit in May 2017, but did not work him out or offer a contract.[112][104] Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said, "He's a starter in this league. And we have a starter. But he's a starter in this league, and I can't imagine that someone won't give him a chance to play."[112] The Baltimore Ravens considered signing Kaepernick as a backup to starting quarterback Joe Flacco before the 2017 season. According to former Raven Ray Lewis, the team did not go through with this after Kaepernick's girlfriend made comparisons of Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti to a slave owner, and Lewis his slave, in a tweet;[113][114] Bisciotti reportedly believed the signing would result in heavy backlash and criticism from the general public,[115] a claim that was refuted by the team.[116] By August 2017, the statistics website FiveThirtyEight concluded that "it's obvious Kaepernick is being frozen out for his political opinions", calling it "extraordinary... that a player like him can't find a team", based on the observation that "no above-average quarterback [measured by the total quarterback rating] has been unemployed nearly as long as Kaepernick this offseason".[9] The Seahawks set up another visit and workout with him in April 2018, but the team postponed it indefinitely after he would not say whether he would continue his national anthem protest or not.[117]

In October 2017, Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL, accusing league owners of collusion to keep him out of the league.[118] The NFL requested to dismiss the case but was denied by an arbitrator which meant the case would go to trial.[119][120] On February 15, 2019, it was announced that Kaepernick reached a confidential settlement with the NFL and withdrew the grievance. In a related case, Eric Reid, who was the first to join Kaepernick in kneeling when they were 49ers teammates, also settled with the league.[121][122] Reid had been unsigned for a stretch before joining the Carolina Panthers.[121]

Before November 2019, Kaepernick had not had an NFL tryout since becoming a free agent.[123] He continued working out five days a week,[124] and stated publicly and privately that he wished to continue playing.[125]

On November 12, 2019, the NFL set up a workout for him in Atlanta on Saturday, November 16. All 32 NFL teams were invited to attend the private session, which was to be closed to the media. It was to include an on-field workout and an interview, with videos of both to be sent to teams afterward.[126] Aside from its scouting combine, the league rarely organizes workouts for all of its teams.[127] Typically, NFL teams schedule workouts for Tuesdays, when head coaches and general managers can more readily attend.[126] On Saturdays, teams are preparing for games the next day and traveling to away games.[126][127] On November 16, about 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the workout, Kaepernick nixed the plans over concerns about the workout not being public and issues with the liability waiver the NFL asked him to sign. He instead moved to an Atlanta-area high school, where he held a public throwing session attended by scouts from seven NFL teams.[128][129]

In an opinion piece published by The New York Times on November 22, 2019, Ta-Nehisi Coates said Kaepernick is "not fighting for a job" but that he is "fighting against cancellation".[130]

In February 2019, it was reported that Kaepernick spoke with the Alliance of American Football and XFL about becoming a quarterback for them but wanted a guaranteed $20,000,000 per season.[131] XFL quarterbacks were paid $250,000 per season[131] while AAF quarterbacks were signed to an unguaranteed $250,000 over three seasons.[132]

In June 2020, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said that he regretted not signing Kaepernick in 2017; however for the 2020 season, he would not be signing him and was happy with Geno Smith as the team's backup quarterback.[133] Carroll indicated "someone is interested" in Kaepernick and that a team contacted him about Kaepernick to get some insight on him and Carroll said that it is the first time any team has contacted him since his 2017 meeting with Kaepernick.[134]

Kaepernick worked out for the Las Vegas Raiders in May 2022.[135]

NFL career statistics

Legend
Bold Career high

Regular season

Year Team Games Passing Rushing Sacks Fumbles
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg Lng TD Sck Yds Fum Lost
2011 SF 3 0 3 5 60.0 35 7.0 19 0 0 81.3 2 −2 −1.0 −1 0 0 0 0 0
2012 SF 13 7 5–2 136 218 62.4 1,814 8.3 57 10 3 98.3 63 415 6.6 50 5 16 112 9 2
2013 SF 16 16 12–4 243 416 58.4 3,197 7.7 64 21 8 91.6 92 524 5.7 28 4 39 231 6 4
2014 SF 16 16 8–8 289 478 60.5 3,369 7.0 80 19 10 86.4 104 639 6.1 90 1 52 344 8 5
2015 SF 9 8 2–6 144 244 59.0 1,615 6.6 76 6 5 78.5 45 256 5.7 15 1 28 166 5 1
2016 SF 12 11 1–10 196 331 59.2 2,241 6.8 65 16 4 90.7 69 468 6.8 30 2 36 207 9 3
Career 69 58 28–30 1,011 1,692 59.8 12,271 7.3 80 72 30 88.9 375 2,300 6.1 90 13 171 1,060 37 15

Playoffs

Year Team Games Passing Rushing Sacks Fumbles
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg Lng TD Sck Yds Fum Lost
2012 SF 3 3 2−1 49 80 61.3 798 10.0 45 4 2 100.9 25 264 10.6 56 3 5 32 1 0
2013 SF 3 3 2−1 45 82 54.9 576 7.0 45 3 3 74.0 26 243 9.3 58 1 6 26 3 1
Career 6 6 4–2 94 162 58.0 1,374 8.5 45 7 5 87.3 51 507 9.9 58 4 11 58 4 1

Activism

Leading up to the 2016 season, Kaepernick was active in July on social media with social commentary on the fatal police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, the police shooting of Charles Kinsey and the acquittal of police in the death of Freddie Gray.[136][15] In the 49ers third preseason game of the season, reporter Steve Wyche noticed Kaepernick sitting down during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner",[136] as opposed to the tradition of standing.[137] During a post-game interview, Kaepernick explained his position stating, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, 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", referencing a series of African-American deaths caused by law enforcement that led to the Black Lives Matter movement and adding that he would continue to protest until he feels like "[the American flag] represents what it's supposed to represent".[138][139] It had gone largely unnoticed that Kaepernick was also sitting during the anthem in the previous two weeks, when he was inactive and not in uniform while recovering from injuries.[136][140]

In the 49ers' fourth and final preseason game, Kaepernick kneeled during the U.S. national anthem to show more respect to former and current U.S. military members while still protesting during the anthem after having a conversation with former NFL player and U.S. military veteran Nate Boyer.[141] After the September 2016 police shootings of Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott,[142] Kaepernick commented publicly on the shootings saying, "this is a perfect example of what this is about".[143] Photos then surfaced of him wearing socks depicting police officers as pigs.[144][145] In a statement, he acknowledged wearing them as a statement against "rogue cops". He maintained that he has friends/family in law enforcement and that there are cops with "good intentions" who protect and serve and he was not targeting all police.[146] Kaepernick went on to kneel during the anthem prior to every 49ers game that season.[citation needed]

After initial backlash against his protests, Kaepernick pledged to donate $1 million to "organizations working in oppressed communities".[147][148] He donated $25,000 to the Mothers Against Police Brutality organization that was started by Collette Flanagan, whose son fell victim to police brutality.[149] In 2018, Kaepernick announced that he would make the final $100,000 donation of his "Million Dollar Pledge" in the form of $10,000 donations to charities that would be matched by celebrities.[150]

Inspired by Kaepernick, other NFL players and pro athletes conducted various forms of silent protests during the national anthem.[104][115] His San Francisco teammates awarded him the team's Len Eshmont Award, as the player who best epitomized the inspirational and courageous play of former 49er Len Eshmont.[151][152] Then-49ers head coach Chip Kelly later said that Kaepernick was "zero distraction" that season.[89][153]

Also in 2016, Kaepernick and his partner Nessa founded the "Know Your Rights Camp", an organization which held free seminars to disadvantaged youths to teach them about self-empowerment, American history, and legal rights.[154] In April 2020, the Know Your Rights Camp launched a relief fund for individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.[155] Kaepernick donated $100,000 to the fund.[156]

In 2018, Nike released an ad featuring Kaepernick with the text, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything." NFL spokesperson Jocelyn Moore responded to the ad saying Kaepernick's social justice campaign, "deserve(s) our attention and action".[157]

In July 2019, Nike released a shoe featuring the Betsy Ross flag called the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July trainers. The trainers were designed to celebrate Independence Day. The model was subsequently withdrawn after Colin Kaepernick told the brand he and others found the flag offensive because they associated it with slavery.[158][159][160] Joe Scarborough decried Nike's decision as "politically correct madness", saying that the flag should be seen as a symbol of resistance against King George III. Scarborough also felt that this instance of political correctness could help Donald Trump to be re-elected.[161] Charles Taylor of Forbes described Nike's decision as a blunder, noting that no significant number of Americans view the Betsy Ross flag as a racist symbol and that a poll shows that 85% of American millennials like seeing the U.S. flag on Independence Day.[162] Nike's decision to withdraw the product drew criticism from Arizona Republican Governor Doug Ducey, who subsequently pulled a US$2 million tax incentive for a Nike factory in the state,[163] and Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz.[164]

In June 2020, amid the George Floyd protests, The New York Times wrote that the NFL had wrestled with the issue of race, noting that three-quarters of NFL players are African-American, yet nearly every NFL team owner is white (and several are prominent Trump supporters).[165] NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell put out a statement in which he apologized for not listening to the concerns of African-American players.[165] The Times wrote that Goodell's "words were panned as hypocritical because of the league owners' rejection of Kaepernick."[165] Michael Rosenberg of Sports Illustrated wrote, "Mainstream white America is going to reconsider Kaepernick at some point – the way it reconsidered Muhammad Ali years after he refused to go to Vietnam, the way it reconsidered Jackie Robinson and Jack Johnson. Progress comes in fits and starts, and this country tends to punish those who urge it to move faster. The reconsideration of Kaepernick has begun."[166][167] In August, after the shooting of Jacob Blake, a black man, Goodell said that he wished the NFL had listened earlier to Kaepernick's reasons for kneeling.[168]

Kaepernick supports the abolition of police and prisons. In October 2020, Kaepernick Publishing launched a project with Medium titled "Abolition For The People", a collection of 30 essays written by several activists calling for police and prison abolition and criticizing prison reform as only "reforming, reshaping, and rebranding"[169] systemic racism.[170][171][172] In August 2016 Kaepernick wore a t-shirt featuring a picture of a meeting between Malcolm X and Fidel Castro and praised the Cuban Literacy Campaign. He also said "I am a believer in Malcolm X and his ideology and what he talked about and what he believed in as far as fighting oppression".[173][174][175]

Written works

Personal life

Kaepernick was baptized Methodist, confirmed Lutheran, and attended a Baptist church during his college years.[177] Kaepernick spoke about his faith saying, "I think God guides me through every day and helps me take the right steps and has helped me to get to where I'm at."[178] Kaepernick has multiple tattoos about his faith. His right arm features a scroll with the Bible verse Psalm 18:39 written on it. Tattooed under the scroll are praying hands with the phrase "To God The Glory" written on them. To the left of both the scroll and praying hands is the word "Faith" written vertically. His left arm features a Christian cross with the words "Heaven Sent" on it referring to Jesus Christ. Written above and below the cross is the phrase "God Will Guide Me". Written to the left and right of the cross is the Bible verse Psalm 27:3.[179][180][181]

Kaepernick reportedly started dating radio personality and television host Nessa Diab in July 2015,[182] and officially went public about their relationship in February 2016.[183] Their child was born in August 2022.[184]

Kaepernick began following a vegan diet in late 2015.[185]

Kaepernick's family has had a pet African spurred tortoise named Sammy since he was 10 years old.[186]

In February 2020, Kaepernick started Kaepernick Publishing.[187] Kaepernick published a children's book titled I Color Myself Different in April 2022 through his publishing company and Scholastic.[188]

On October 29, 2021, Netflix premiered Colin in Black & White, a six-episode limited series about Kaepernick's teenage years. The series was co-created by Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay.[189]

Awards and honors

References

  1. ^ Farmer, Sam (January 17, 2013). "Kaepernick is suddenly a big name, and now we know how to say it". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 14, 2013. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  2. ^ "Colin Kaepernick's private NFL workout, Prince Andrew's interview: 5 things to know this weekend". USA Today. November 16, 2019. Retrieved November 17, 2019. Kaepernick, 32, hasn't played in an NFL game since 2016 after he began kneeling during pregame renditions of the national anthem as a means of protesting police brutality and racial inequality in America.
  3. ^ "Kaepernick, from Super Bowl quarterback to NFL pariah". France 24. AFP. April 9, 2018. Retrieved November 17, 2019. What began as a quiet protest against police brutality and racial inequality catapulted Colin Kaepernick to the forefront of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.
  4. ^ Lang, Cady (August 19, 2019). "'I Feel Like Jay-Z Can Bring Back Colin Kaepernick.' Celebrities Weigh in on Jay Z's New NFL Deal". Time. Retrieved November 17, 2019. Cardi also said that she hoped that Jay-Z would be able to influence the league to hire Kaepernick, who has not played in the league since 2016, following tensions over his decision to kneel during the national anthem as a form of peaceful protest against police brutality and racial inequality.
  5. ^ Wyche, Steve (August 27, 2016). "Colin Kaepernick explains why he sat during national anthem". NFL.com. Archived from the original on August 20, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
  6. ^ Blackistone, Kevin B. (March 24, 2017). "Has Colin Kaepernick been blackballed by the NFL?". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on May 26, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
  7. ^ "Trump says NFL should fire players who kneel during national anthem". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. September 22, 2017. Archived from the original on February 15, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  8. ^ Watkins, Eli (October 9, 2017). "Pence leaves Colts game after protest during anthem". CNN.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  9. ^ a b Wagner, Kyle (August 9, 2017). "Colin Kaepernick Is Not Supposed To Be Unemployed". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  10. ^ Maske, Mark (August 30, 2018). "Colin Kaepernick's collusion case proceeds after NFL's dismissal request is denied". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  11. ^ "Statement by Prof. Burbank on Decision Regarding Colin Kaepernick's Collusion Case". University of Pennsylvania Law School. August 30, 2018. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  12. ^ Belson, Ken (August 30, 2018). "Colin Kaepernick's Collusion Case Against the N.F.L. Will Advance". The New York Times. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  13. ^ Martenzie, Johnson (December 10, 2016). "Colin Kaepernick's parents break silence: 'We absolutely do support him'". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on December 28, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
  14. ^ Yorkey, Mike (August 1, 2013). Playing with Purpose: Football: Inside the Lives and Faith of the NFL's Most Intriguing Personalities. Barbour Publishing. ISBN 9781624165115. Archived from the original on November 18, 2016 – via Google Books.
  15. ^ a b Branch, John (September 7, 2017). "The Awakening of Colin Kaepernick". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on October 4, 2017. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  16. ^ a b Reilly, Rick (January 30, 2013). "A call Kaepernick should make". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2013. Retrieved February 2, 2013.
  17. ^ "Painful Losses Endure For Kaepernicks". NPR.com. Associated Press. January 31, 2013. Archived from the original on February 25, 2013.
  18. ^ Daniels, Tim (August 30, 2018). "Rodney Harrison Says Colin Kaepernick Is 'Not Black' Amid 49ers QB's Protest". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  19. ^ Bulio, Henrique (November 8, 2022). "Who are Colin Kaepernick's adoptive parents Rick and Teresa? New series highlights NFL star's background". sportskeeda. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  20. ^ Wise, Mike (January 30, 2013). "Super Bowl: Colin Kaepernick isn't out of central casting, but he may become new poster boy". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  21. ^ Lewis, Aimee (September 10, 2018). "Colin Kaepernick: A cultural star fast turning into a global icon". CNN.com. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  22. ^ a b c Himmelbach, Adam (August 28, 2010). "Not a Household Name, Not Even in Nevada". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 28, 2010. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
  23. ^ a b Adelson, Andrea (October 4, 2010). "Colin Kaepernick more than star QB". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2010. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
  24. ^ Klemko, Robert (November 30, 2012). "Colin Kaepernick's parents upset at criticism of son's tattoos". USA Today. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  25. ^ "Kaepernick's years in Turlock will be told in Netflix series". www.turlockjournal.com. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  26. ^ Estrada, Richard T. (June 12, 2009). "Cubs surprise Kaepernick with selection". The Modesto Bee. pp. C1, C-4.
  27. ^ DeBoard, Will (January 12, 2006). "Pitman stars will be opponents in college". The Modesto Bee. p. C-4.
  28. ^ Hale, Jennifer (May 4, 2014). "Ryan Anderson recalls going up against Colin Kaepernick in high school". FoxSports.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2015.
  29. ^ Norris, Luke (May 30, 2020). "Colin Kaepernick Was So Good at Baseball He Was Drafted by the Chicago Cubs Years After He Was an All-State Pitching Prospect". Sportscasting. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  30. ^ "Colin Kaepernick 2007 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  31. ^ "2007 Nevada Wolf Pack Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  32. ^ "Colin Kaepernick 2008 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  33. ^ "BCS quarterbacks who have passed for 2,000 yards and rushed for 1,000 yards in the same season". Arizona Daily Star. November 15, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  34. ^ "Humanitarian Bowl - Nevada vs Maryland Box Score, December 30, 2008". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  35. ^ "WAC Offensive Player of the Year Winners". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  36. ^ Murray, Chris (October 23, 2020). "Colin Kaepernick headlines Nevada's six-person 2020 Hall of Fame class". Nevada Sports Net. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  37. ^ "2009 Baseball Draft". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  38. ^ "The story behind the Cubs drafting 49ers quarterback Kaepernick". CSN - Chicago. December 12, 2012. Archived from the original on December 14, 2012. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  39. ^ "Colin Kaepernick 2009 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  40. ^ "2009 Western Athletic Conference Year Summary". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  41. ^ "Boise State at Nevada Box Score, November 26, 2010". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  42. ^ "Colin Kaepernick 2010 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  43. ^ "2011 NCAA Football Records" (PDF). NCAA.org. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 7, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2013.
  44. ^ Cripe, Chadd (December 6, 2010). "WAC names Moore, Kaepernick Co-Offensive Players of the Year; 11 Broncos make All-WAC first team". Idaho Statesman. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved January 15, 2013.
  45. ^ "Colin Kaepernick College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  46. ^ Murray, Chris (February 26, 2021). "ESPN ranks Colin Kaepernick among best college quarterbacks this century". Nevada Sports Net. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  47. ^ Murray, Chris (October 23, 2020). "Colin Kaepernick headlines Nevada's six-person 2020 Hall of Fame class". Nevada Sports Net. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  48. ^ Biderman, Chris (December 13, 2016). "Colin Kaepernick 'explores' idea of grad school". Niners Wire. McLean, VA: USA Today.
  49. ^ "Colin Kaepernick Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  50. ^ "2011 NFL Draft Scout Colin Kaepernick College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  51. ^ "2011 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  52. ^ "Colin Kaepernick 2011 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  53. ^ "Kaepernick Draws First Blood with TD in 'Niners Win Over Jets". KOLO 8 News Now. September 30, 2012. Archived from the original on October 22, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
  54. ^ Smith, Michael David (September 7, 2012). "Packers preparing for 49ers to use Colin Kaepernick in the Wildcat". ProFootballTalk. Archived from the original on October 10, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  55. ^ "49ers, Rams play to NFL's first tie in four years". USA Today. Associated Press. November 11, 2012. Archived from the original on September 4, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  56. ^ Davis, Nate (November 19, 2012). "49ers' Alex Smith out vs. Bears, Colin Kaepernick to start". USA Today. Archived from the original on November 19, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  57. ^ Samano, Simon (November 20, 2012). "Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick? 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh wouldn't say after win over Bears". USA Today. Archived from the original on December 6, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  58. ^ Dodds, Eric (November 28, 2012). "Examining the 49ers Quarterback Controversy". time.com. Archived from the original on November 30, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2012.
  59. ^ Sando, Mike (November 27, 2012). "Reaching back for 49ers QB parallels". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2012.
  60. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots - December 16th, 2012". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  61. ^ Sando, Mike (November 26, 2012). "Victory trumps QB confusion for 49ers". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on November 26, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  62. ^ Klemko, Robert (November 26, 2012). "Kaepernick doesn't disappoint as 49ers defeat Saints". USA Today. Archived from the original on August 25, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  63. ^ "Colin Kaepernick to start for 49ers". ESPN.com. November 28, 2012. Archived from the original on December 1, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2012.
  64. ^ McEvoy, Colin (February 9, 2023). "The Ultimate Sibling Rivalry: 8 Sets of Brothers Who Faced Off in Sports Championships". Biography. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  65. ^ a b "Colin Kaepernick sets QB rushing mark as Niners oust Packers". ESPN.com. January 12, 2013. Archived from the original on January 13, 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
  66. ^ Inman, Cam (January 12, 2013). "Putting Kaepernick's rushing performance in franchise, league perspective". San Jose Mercury News. Archived from the original on March 27, 2014. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
  67. ^ "NFC Championship - San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons - January 20th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  68. ^ "Ravens overcome power outage, survive rally to win Super Bowl". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 4, 2013. Archived from the original on September 11, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  69. ^ "2013 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  70. ^ "Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers - September 8th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  71. ^ Barber, Phil (September 9, 2013). "Colin Kaepernick leads 49ers past Packers 34-28". Santa Rosa Press Democrat. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  72. ^ "2013 San Francisco 49ers Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  73. ^ "NFC Championship - San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks - January 19th, 2014". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2017. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  74. ^ "Colin Kaepernick 2013 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2017. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  75. ^ "2014 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  76. ^ "Colin Kaepernick Salary cap and Contract page". Over the Cap. Archived from the original on July 1, 2014. Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  77. ^ Gutierrez, Paul (September 17, 2014). "Colin Kaepernick fined $11K by NFL". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on September 20, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  78. ^ Barrows, Matt (October 9, 2014). "Colin Kaepernick's fine-canceling headphones". The Sacramento Bee. Archived from the original on October 11, 2014. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
  79. ^ "San Diego Chargers at San Francisco 49ers - December 20th, 2014". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  80. ^ "2014 San Francisco 49ers Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  81. ^ "Colin Kaepernick 2014 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  82. ^ Rosenberg, Michael (December 30, 2014). "Jim Harbaugh explains his decision to return to Michigan". SI.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  83. ^ Wesseling, Chris (November 2, 2015). "Niners bench Colin Kaepernick; Blaine Gabbert to start". NFL.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  84. ^ "Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers - November 8th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  85. ^ Inman, Cam (November 21, 2015). "49ers' Colin Kaepernick done for season because of shoulder injury". San Jose Mercury News. Archived from the original on November 22, 2015.
  86. ^ "Colin Kaepernick 2015 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 8, 2017. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
  87. ^ Brinson, Will (January 14, 2016). "49ers hire Chip Kelly as next head coach: 5 things to know". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  88. ^ Brady, James (February 26, 2016). "Kaepernick's request doesn't mean he won't stay". Niners Nation. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  89. ^ a b Gleeson, Scott (June 29, 2017). "Chip Kelly defends Colin Kaepernick, says former 49ers QB was 'zero distraction' in 2016". USA Today. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  90. ^ Nocera, Joe (October 14, 2016). "Is It a Risk for the 49ers to Start Colin Kaepernick? Not for Them". The New York Times. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  91. ^ Boren, Cindy (August 29, 2016). "Colin Kaepernick's future might have more to do with football than free speech". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 15, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  92. ^ Wagoner, Nick (August 27, 2016). "Hard to see how Colin Kaepernick can overtake Blaine Gabbert now". Archived from the original on August 29, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  93. ^ Sessler, Marc (September 3, 2016). "Kaepernick makes roster; Gabbert named starting QB". NFL.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  94. ^ Schefter, Adam; Caplan, Adam (October 12, 2016). "Sources: Colin Kaepernick can choose to be free agent after year". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2016. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  95. ^ "49ers vs. Bills - Box Score - October 16, 2016 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2016.
  96. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins - November 27th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  97. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears - December 4th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  98. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons - December 18th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  99. ^ "49ers vs. Rams - Box Score - December 24, 2016 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on December 25, 2016.
  100. ^ "Colin Kaepernick 2016 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  101. ^ "Baltimore Ravens could sign QB Colin Kaepernick". Sky Sports. August 13, 2017. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017.
  102. ^ Jackson, Zac (February 7, 2017). "49ers officially hire Kyle Shanahan". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  103. ^ a b Brinson, Will (May 31, 2017). "The 49ers would've cut Colin Kaepernick if he hadn't opted out of his contract". CBSSports.com. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  104. ^ a b c Graziano, Dan (November 14, 2019). "Colin Kaepernick's NFL workout: Why it's happening now, what's next". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  105. ^ Fann, Joe (March 3, 2017). "Colin Kaepernick Opts Out of Contract, Becomes a Free Agent". 49ers.com. Archived from the original on March 17, 2017.
  106. ^ Levin, Josh (August 18, 2017). "The NFL's Billionaire Owners Are Too Late to Stop Colin Kaepernick". Slate Magazine. Archived from the original on August 20, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
  107. ^ Blackistone, Kevin B. (March 23, 2017). "The NFL has effectively blackballed Colin Kaepernick; "What Kaepernick dared to do was spit in the NFL's eye"". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 21, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2017 – via The Denver Post.
  108. ^ Zirin, Dave. "The NFL's War Against Colin Kaepernick". The Nation. ISSN 0027-8378. Archived from the original on August 21, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
  109. ^ Reiss, Mike (September 17, 2017). "Tom Brady on Colin Kaepernick: 'I hope he gets a shot'". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2017. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  110. ^ Griffiths, Brent D.; Jackson, Henry C. (September 22, 2017). "Trump sparks war with NFL – and LeBron". Politico. Archived from the original on September 24, 2017. Retrieved September 23, 2017. In March, Trump claimed during a rally in Kentucky that Kaepernick's inability to find a new team was due to fear that president would unleash a tweet and therefore a PR crisis on whatever team that signed the Super Bowl XLVII participant.
  111. ^ Watkins, Eli (March 21, 2017). "Trump credits his Twitter wrath for Kaepernick's unemployment". CNN.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2017. Retrieved September 23, 2017. It was reported that NFL owners don't want to pick him up because they don't want to get a nasty tweet from Donald Trump," he said. "Do you believe that? I just saw that. I just saw that.
  112. ^ a b Kapadia, Sheil (June 2, 2017). "Pete Carroll on Colin Kaepernick: Not doing anything yet, but 'he's a starter in this league'". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  113. ^ "Ray Lewis claims Ravens didn't sign Colin Kaepernick after girlfriend's tweet". RSN. September 6, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  114. ^ "Ray Lewis: Ravens shunned Kaepernick due to 'racist' tweet from girlfriend". The Guardian. September 6, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  115. ^ a b Harris, Jaime C. (August 3, 2017). "Colin Kaepernick feels the force of conservative NFL fan base". Amsterdam News. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  116. ^ Lee, Edward (August 2, 2017). "Ravens deny ESPN report claiming Bisciotti has put up 'resistance' to signing Kaepernick". BaltimoreSun.com. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  117. ^ Schefter, Adam (April 12, 2018). "Seahawks postpone visit after Colin Kaepernick won't say if he'll stop kneeling during anthem". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  118. ^ "QB Colin Kaepernick files grievance for collusion against NFL owners". ABC News. Associated Press. October 15, 2017. Archived from the original on November 6, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2023 – via ESPN.com.
  119. ^ "Mark Geragos on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  120. ^ "Colin Kaepernick's collusion case against NFL team owners can go to trial". BBC Sport. August 30, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  121. ^ a b Draper, Kevin; Belson, Ken (February 15, 2019). "Colin Kaepernick and the N.F.L. Settle Collusion Case". The New York Times. Retrieved February 16, 2019.
  122. ^ Robinson, Charles (February 16, 2019). "NFL reaches financial settlement with Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid". Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo!. Retrieved February 16, 2019.
  123. ^ Belson, Ken (November 13, 2019). "Colin Kaepernick Has Not Been Told Who Will Attend His Workout". The New York Times. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  124. ^ "Kaepernick's reps address 'false narratives'". Reuters. October 11, 2019. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  125. ^ Rosenberg, Mike (November 13, 2019). "NFL's Workout Request Puts Colin Kaepernick Between a Rock and a Hard Place". SI.com. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  126. ^ a b c Schefter, Adam (November 12, 2019). "Teams invited to Colin Kaepernick workout Saturday". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  127. ^ a b Shipgel, Ben; Belson, Ken (November 12, 2019). "N.F.L. Invites Teams to Watch Colin Kaepernick Work Out on Saturday". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 13, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  128. ^ Slater, Jim (November 17, 2019). "Kaepernick ditches private NFL workout for public session". Yahoo.com. AFP. Archived from the original on November 17, 2019. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  129. ^ Bryant, Howard (November 26, 2019). "Why Colin Kaepernick and the NFL were never going to work out". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  130. ^ Coates, Ta-Nehisi (November 22, 2019). "Opinion: Ta-Nehisi Coates: The Cancellation of Colin Kaepernick". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 13, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  131. ^ a b McCarthy, Michael (February 26, 2019). "SN exclusive: XFL confirms talks with Colin Kaepernick". Sporting News. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  132. ^ Rovell, Darren (July 12, 2018). "AAF players to get 3-year, $250K contracts". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  133. ^ Fann, Joe (June 11, 2020). "Why the Seahawks passed on Colin Kaepernick in 2017 and won't sign him now". NBC Sports. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  134. ^ Shook, Nick (June 11, 2020). "Carroll: 'Interested' team called asking about Colin Kaepernick". NFL.com. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  135. ^ "Colin Kaepernick has 'positive' workout with Raiders, no deal in place". Fox Sports. May 27, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  136. ^ a b c Walker, Rhiannon (August 28, 2017). "One Year Later, Steve Wyche Reflects On Breaking The Colin Kaepernick Story". Andscape. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  137. ^ Mallinson, Mathilda (June 18, 2020). "Why are people taking the knee? The history behind the powerful symbolic gesture". Evening Standard. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  138. ^ Wyche, Steve (August 27, 2016). "Colin Kaepernick explains why he sat during national anthem". NFL.com. Archived from the original on August 27, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
  139. ^ Fucillo, David (August 27, 2016). "NFL issues statement on Colin Kaepernick not standing during National Anthem". Niners Nation. Archived from the original on September 2, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  140. ^ Holloway, Daniel (August 30, 2016). "Colin Kaepernick's Anthem Protest Set to Draw Attention From NFL Broadcasters". Variety. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  141. ^ Witz, Billy (September 1, 2016). "This Time, Colin Kaepernick Takes a Stand by Kneeling". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  142. ^ Maxwell, Francis (September 21, 2016). "Silence From Kaepernick Critics Speaks Volumes". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on September 23, 2016. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
  143. ^ "US: Colin Kaepernick says he has received death threats". Al Jazeera. September 22, 2016. Archived from the original on September 22, 2016. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  144. ^ Breech, John (August 31, 2016). "Colin Kaepernick's practice socks appear to disrespect the police". CBSSports.com. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  145. ^ Emery, David (September 2016). "Colin Kaepernick Wore Socks Depicting Police as Pigs". Snopes:Sports. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  146. ^ Brinson, Will (September 1, 2016). "Colin Kaepernick explains why he wore socks with police pigs on them: He was making a statement". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  147. ^ Peter, Josh (September 1, 2016). "Colin Kaepernick: I'm not anti-American, will donate $1 million". USA Today. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  148. ^ "Million Dollar Pledge". kaepernick7.com. Archived from the original on November 14, 2017.
  149. ^ Bishop, Greg (December 11, 2017). "The KAP EFFECT". SI.com. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  150. ^ Phillips, Carron J. (January 17, 2018). "Kaepernick announces celebrity friends to match 10 $10G donations". NY Daily News. Archived from the original on January 17, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  151. ^ Payne, Marissa (December 31, 2016). "Colin Kaepernick's 49ers teammates vote to give him prestigious award". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  152. ^ "49ers Announce 2016 Team Award Recipients". San Francisco 49ers. December 30, 2016. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  153. ^ Bieler, Des (October 11, 2019). "Colin Kaepernick agent pushes back on 'false narratives' while affirming QB's desire to play". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  154. ^ "Colin Kaepernick hosts 'Know Your Rights' camp for Oakland-area youth". ESPN.com. October 29, 2016. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  155. ^ "Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp Launches COVID-19 Relief Fund". NewsOne. April 18, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  156. ^ Maxouris, Christina (April 17, 2020). "Colin Kaepernick is donating $100,000 to coronavirus relief efforts to aid communities of color". CNN. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  157. ^ Romero, Dennis (September 4, 2018). "NFL says issues raised by Colin Kaepernick 'deserve our attention and action'". NBC News. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  158. ^ Safdar, Khadeeja; Beaton, Andrew (July 1, 2019). "Nike Nixes 'Betsy Ross Flag' Shoe After Kaepernick Intervenes". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  159. ^ Petter, Olivia (July 2, 2019). "Nike pulls Fourth of July trainers after Colin Kaepernick 'raises concerns'". The Independent. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  160. ^ "Nike 'pulls Betsy Ross flag trainer after Kaepernick complaint'". BBC News. July 2, 2019. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  161. ^ Wise, Justin (July 2, 2019). "Nike Pulls Betsy Ross Flag Sneakers After Kaepernick Complaint". The Hill. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  162. ^ Taylor, Charles (July 2, 2019). "Why Nike's Pulling The Flag Shoe Is A Blunder". Forbes.com. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  163. ^ "Nike loses factory aid as 'racist trainer' row intensifies". BBC. July 2, 2019. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  164. ^ Novy-Williams, Eben; Giammona, Craig (July 2, 2019). "Nike Pulls 'Betsy Ross Flag' Sneakers After Kaepernick Complaint". Bloomberg. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  165. ^ a b c Belson, Ken (June 5, 2020). "As Trump Rekindles N.F.L. Fight, Goodell Sides With Players". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  166. ^ Rosenberg, Michael (June 1, 2020). "What Do You Think of Colin Kaepernick Now?". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  167. ^ Paine, Neil (June 3, 2020). "Four Years After Colin Kaepernick Kneeled, NFL Quarterbacks Are Starting To Speak Out". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  168. ^ Epstein, Jori (August 27, 2020). "Dallas Cowboys VP Stephen Jones declines chance to back Roger Goodell's stance on Colin Kaepernick's protests". USA Today. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  169. ^ Kaepernick, Colin (October 6, 2020). "The Demand for Abolition". Medium. Level Man. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  170. ^ "Abolition for the People". Medium. Level Man. October 6, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  171. ^ Brito, Christopher (October 8, 2020). "Colin Kaepernick calls for abolishing police and prisons in new essay". CBS News. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  172. ^ Choi, Joseph (October 11, 2020). "Kaepernick: Abolish police, prisons". The Hill. MSN. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  173. ^ Bieler, Des (November 24, 2016). "Colin Kaepernick grilled by Miami Herald reporter over Fidel Castro shirt". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  174. ^ "Colin Kaepernick addresses his Fidel Castro t-shirt after playing in Miami". Sports Illustrated. November 27, 2016. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  175. ^ Willis, Jay (November 28, 2016). "Colin Kaepernick Had a Dubious Take About Fidel Castro's Legacy". GQ. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  176. ^ Osbourne, Aussie (May 18, 2022). "Scholastic to Publish Colin Kaepernick's Graphic Novel Memoir". Aussie Osbourne. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  177. ^ Saracevic, Al (November 30, 2012). "Kaepernick sparks tattoo controversy". SFGate. Archived from the original on December 4, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  178. ^ Tromerhauser, Damian (January 16, 2013). "Faith Based: Former Nevada standout speaks at local church about life, athletics". Daily Sparks Tribune. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013.
  179. ^ Almond, Elliott (January 25, 2013). "Super Bowl 2013: Colin Kaepernick's tattoos more than skin deep". Mercury News. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  180. ^ King, Peter (July 23, 2013). "Colin Kaepernick Does Not Care What You Think About His Tattoos". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  181. ^ Sessler, Marc (February 8, 2013). "Colin Kaepernick shows off his post-Super Bowl tattoos". NFL.com. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  182. ^ "Kaepernick social media posts laud Black Lives Matter, Black Panthers since dating activist DJ". Fox News. August 30, 2016. Archived from the original on September 14, 2016. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
  183. ^ "49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and MTV's Nessa go public with relationship". San Jose Mercury News. Bay Area News Group. February 17, 2016. Archived from the original on September 1, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  184. ^ Truffaut-Wong, Olivia (August 29, 2022). "Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab Welcome Their First Child". The Cut. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  185. ^ Maiocco, Matt (August 30, 2016). "Kaepernick: Weight loss not due to vegan diet". CSN Bay Area. Archived from the original on September 24, 2016. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
  186. ^ Ostler, Scott (May 9, 2011). "From Turlock to S.F., taking the long route". SFGate. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  187. ^ Draper, Kevin (February 13, 2020). "Colin Kaepernick to Release a Memoir and Start a Publishing Company". The New York Times. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  188. ^ Balaban, Samantha (April 2, 2022). "Colin Kaepernick says 'I Color Myself Different' in his first children's book". NPR. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  189. ^ Lawrence, Derek (August 12, 2021). "Get a first look at Netflix's Colin Kaepernick series 'Colin in Black & White'". EW.com. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  190. ^ "Colin Kaepernick is GQ's Citizen of the Year". GQ.com. November 13, 2017. Archived from the original on November 14, 2017. Retrieved November 14, 2017.
  191. ^ Rosenberg, Michael (November 30, 2017). "Colin Kaepernick Is Recipient of 2017 Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  192. ^ Martin, Jill (December 4, 2017). "Colin Kaepernick honored with ACLU award". CNN.com. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  193. ^ "2017 Honoree, Colin Kaepernick". puffinfoundation.org. Archived from the original on May 5, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  194. ^ Gregory, Sean (April 21, 2018). "Colin Kaepernick Wins Amnesty International's Highest Honor". Time.com. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  195. ^ "Kaepernick and Chappelle among eight Du Bois medalists at Harvard". Harvard Gazette. September 20, 2018. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  196. ^ Wagaman, Connor (October 12, 2018). "Kaepernick, Chappelle, Stevenson Receive W.E.B. Du Bois Medals in an Overflowing Sanders". The Harvard Crimson. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2021.
  197. ^ O'Kane, Caitlin (July 30, 2020). "Dr. Fauci and Colin Kaepernick to receive award for "commitment to social change"". CBS News. Retrieved December 11, 2020.

Further reading

  • Towler, C., Crawford, N., & Bennett, R. (2020). Shut Up and Play: Black Athletes, Protest Politics, and Black Political Action. Perspectives on Politics, 18(1), 111–127.