Colin Kaepernick stated in a recent interview that the National Football League (NFL) continues to "actively blackball" him, a decade after his protests against racist police brutality became a national point of contention. Kaepernick told NBC News that he refuses to support the organization for this reason and also due to its alleged targeting of other protesting players.
The NFL has denied allegations of blackballing Kaepernick and his former teammate Eric Reid, who both reached confidential settlements with the league in 2019 concerning claims of collusion. Kaepernick has participated in several NFL tryouts since then without being offered a contract.
Kaepernick, now 38 and a father, has not officially retired from the sport. He expressed a desire to return to the NFL as recently as two years ago, stating he was still training and ready for a call from a team owner. He believes he could contribute significantly to a team and help them win a championship.
Kaepernick last played in the NFL during the 2016 season, igniting a nationwide debate on free speech when he knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. Hundreds of players subsequently joined the protests.
He has received some interest from NFL teams since opting out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers in anticipation of his release in March 2017. In 2022, Kaepernick reportedly impressed during a workout with the Las Vegas Raiders, with sources describing it as "positive," though he was not signed by the team. In 2020, then-coach Anthony Lynn of the Los Angeles Chargers indicated Kaepernick was on their radar and could be a "fit" for his offense.
Despite his experience, including leading the 49ers to two NFC championship games and a Super Bowl appearance, Kaepernick did not receive any offers after a workout for several teams in 2019, which he arranged himself after a dispute over a liability waiver for an NFL-orchestrated tryout. He has consistently maintained that he trains five days a week and remains ready to play.
In June 2020, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged that the league should have listened to players' concerns about racism sooner and encouraged teams to sign Kaepernick. Even former President Donald Trump has since shifted his stance, expressing he "would love to [Kaepernick] get another shot."
Kaepernick stated in 2024 that while he doesn't watch NFL games, he still checks player statistics to stay informed about the league's quarterback situation and to guide his agent's outreach. NBC News is expected to release Kaepernick's interview in installments as the network marks the 10-year anniversary of his protests.