Eight years have passed since Colin Kaepernick last stepped onto an NFL field, but the 36-year-old quarterback remains determined to restart his career. In a recent interview, Kaepernick expressed his continued desire to play in the league, stating, “We’re still training, still pushing. We’ve just got to get one of these team owners to open up.”
Kaepernick’s motivation for returning to the NFL stems from his lifelong passion for the sport. “It’s something I’ve trained my whole life for,” he explained. “So, to be able to step back on the field, I think that would be a major moment, major accomplishment for me. Also, I think it’s something that I could bring a lot to a team and help them win a championship.”
The former San Francisco 49ers star ignited a nationwide controversy in 2016 by kneeling during the national anthem to protest racist police brutality. Since then, he has not played in the NFL, despite receiving interest from several teams.
Colin Kaepernick talks with Stephen Curry during the Paris Olympics on August 8
Teammates (from left) Eli Harold, Colin Kaepernick, and Eric Reid kneel in January of 2016
In 2017, Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the 49ers, anticipating his release. Since then, he has received interest from NFL teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, who were impressed by his strong arm and solid conditioning during a 2022 workout.
However, Kaepernick’s path back to the NFL has been marred by controversy. In 2019, he settled a grievance with the NFL for an undisclosed amount, accusing owners of blackballing him in retaliation for his protests.
Despite the setbacks, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged in 2021 that the league should have listened to players’ concerns about racism sooner, and encouraged teams to sign Kaepernick.
Colin Kaepernick led the 49ers to three NFC title games and a Super Bowl appearance
Kaepernick remains optimistic about his chances of returning to the NFL, stating, “My desire to play football is still there. I still train five days a week. I’m ready to go, I’m ready for a phone call, tryout, workout at any point in time.”
The Los Angeles Chargers expressed interest in Kaepernick in 2020, with then-coach Anthony Lynn describing him as a good fit for their offense. “It would be crazy to not have him on your workout list,” Lynn said at the time.
As the NFL has become more open to his message, Kaepernick’s chances of returning to the league may be improving. The protests he sparked in 2016 have become a catalyst for change, with hundreds of players following in his footsteps to address inequality and racist police brutality.
While tensions surrounding the protests have simmered in recent years, Kaepernick’s determination to restart his NFL career remains unwavering. As he continues to train and push for a return to the league, only time will tell if he’ll get another chance to prove himself on the field.
