Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, now 38, told NBC News that he has completely stopped watching the National Football League. He said, “I’m not gonna support an organization that is actively blackballing me, and that has targeted my brothers who have been protesting as part of this as well. I watch college football.”
Background of the protest
In the 2016 preseason, Kaepernick and teammate Eric Reid knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice. Their actions quickly spread worldwide, drawing both praise and criticism. At the time, Kaepernick explained to the NFL Network, “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.”
Legal battle and settlement
Kaepernick was out of the league after the 2016 season and never returned to play. He and Reid later sued the NFL, alleging collusion to keep them out of the league. The case was settled in 2019, though the terms were not disclosed.
Activism beyond the field
Since leaving the NFL, Kaepernick has devoted his energy to a range of community initiatives. He runs “Know Your Rights” camps that aim to “advance the liberation and well‑being of Black and Brown communities through education, self‑empowerment, mass‑mobilization and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders.” He also helps fund independent autopsies for individuals who die in police‑involved incidents.
When asked whether he thinks about his football legacy, Kaepernick said, “I don’t think about legacy a whole lot. What I think about is what are the areas that I can do work that I think are going to have an impact and help us move towards that future together. At the end of the day, people will decide what that legacy is, and hopefully that’s a positive one.”
Upcoming memoir
Kaepernick’s memoir, titled The Perilous Fight, is scheduled for release on September 15. The book is expected to detail his protest, the ensuing legal battle, and his ongoing work for social justice.
While Kaepernick’s stance continues to spark debate across the country, his decision to stop watching the NFL underscores the deep divide between the league and the athletes who have challenged its policies. For now, his focus remains on college football and the broader fight for equality.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
