Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback known for his protests against racial injustice, remains dedicated to his athletic training nearly a decade after stepping away from professional football. At 38 years old, Kaepernick continues daily workouts similar to those he performed during his NFL career, maintaining his readiness despite the fading likelihood of a return to the league. Reflecting on his journey, Kaepernick emphasizes resilience and staying prepared for opportunities, focusing on what he can control amid broader social and political forces.
Kaepernick’s protest began in 2016 during the National Football League’s pre-game national anthem ceremonies. Initially, he sat quietly on the bench for three preseason games, actions unnoticed by many. These silent displays evolved into kneeling, inspired by teammate Eric Reid, and became a widespread symbol against police violence toward Black Americans. Kaepernick’s actions sparked intense public debate, often drawing boos from stadiums, accusations of disrespect toward the flag and military, as well as racist rhetoric and death threats. The controversy also attracted political attention, with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump criticizing him, while former President Barack Obama acknowledged the legitimacy of the issues Kaepernick sought to highlight.
Kaepernick has described his protest as the result of a lifetime shaped by his experiences as a Black man in America and a response to several high-profile police shootings, including those of Mario Woods, Alton Sterling, and Philando Castile. His awakening to Black history and activism was influenced in part by his wife, Nessa Diab, and his own research into civil rights leaders and cultural icons. He has expressed frustration with the NFL’s reaction, which he views as an effort to sideline him for taking a stand. In 2017, after being given a choice to opt out of his contract or face potential release, Kaepernick left the 49ers and was not signed by another team. He later filed a collusion lawsuit against the NFL, alleging that league owners conspired to keep him out of the sport due to his activism. The league denied these claims, and a settlement was reached in 2019 without public disclosure of terms.
Kaepernick’s background further complicates the narrative surrounding his identity and protest. Born to a Black father and a white teenage mother and adopted by a white family in Wisconsin, he grew up in predominantly white, conservative communities, often feeling isolated from both Black and white cultural experiences. He has recounted experiences of racial hostility during his youth, including an incident where he was tied to a tree and subjected to racial slurs. His parents initially struggled to understand aspects of his racial identity, particularly as he sought to embrace elements of Black culture.
Despite the personal and professional costs of his protest, Kaepernick maintains a positive outlook, highlighting the new connections and deeper relationships that emerged amid backlash. He critiques systemic racism both within American society and the NFL, drawing parallels between current player evaluations and historical injustices. He believes his exclusion reflected not only a response to his activism but a broader pattern within the sport’s racial dynamics.
As Kaepernick marks the 10th anniversary of his initial protest with the release of his memoir, The Perilous Fight, he underscores the ongoing significance of his message amid a still turbulent political and social landscape. Although he declined a reported invitation to meet with Trump, Kaepernick expresses willingness to engage with those genuinely committed to equity and justice, distancing himself from what he views as insincere overtures. His protest and its repercussions remain a focal point in discussions about race, sports, and society in the United States.