Colin Kaepernick’s Last NFL Game: When and Why He’s Not in the League
Colin Kaepernick’s most recent appearance in the NFL was on January 1, 2017. He began his NFL journey when he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011 and later made headlines in 2016 due to his peaceful protests during the national anthem, aimed at raising awareness of racial inequalities. Following that season, the 49ers underwent a coaching change, and the new coach didn’t believe Kaepernick’s playing style suited their system, ultimately leading to his release. Despite trying out for several NFL teams in 2019, he remained unsigned and has not returned to the league since.
Interestingly, the recent signing of Tim Tebow, a former quarterback, as a tight end by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023 stirred controversy. This move raised questions about why Colin Kaepernick, despite his qualifications and experience, has not received a similar opportunity.
Tebow’s signing drew attention because he transitioned to a new position at the age of 33, joined a team with a rookie quarterback and a rookie NFL head coach, Urban Meyer. This decision ignited debates and discussions about fairness and opportunities within the NFL.
Who Is Colin Kaepernick?
Colin Kaepernick is an American civil rights activist and former NFL quarterback who is currently not affiliated with any football team. He enjoyed a six-season stint with the San Francisco 49ers. In 2016, he garnered widespread attention for kneeling during the national anthem before NFL games to protest police brutality and racial inequality in the United States.
Kaepernick’s football journey began in college at the University of Nevada, where he earned several accolades for his performance. He entered the NFL when the San Francisco 49ers drafted him in 2011, initially serving as a backup quarterback. However, he ascended to the starting quarterback role in 2012 and guided the team to the Super Bowl.
His decision to kneel during the national anthem sparked both support and controversy. Some applauded his stance against racism, while others criticized the protests, and even President Donald Trump’s comments added to the contentious debate. After the 2016 season, Kaepernick became a free agent and remained unsigned, with many speculating that his protests played a significant role in his absence.
Kaepernick subsequently filed a grievance against the NFL, alleging collusion among team owners to keep him out of the league. Despite a resurgence of attention to his cause in 2020, he has not been signed by any professional football team.
What Happened to Colin Kaepernick?
Colin Kaepernick, an American quarterback, is renowned for his peaceful protest against police brutality in the United States. In 2016, during NFL games, he initiated his protest by first sitting and later kneeling during the national anthem, aiming to draw attention to racial injustice and police brutality. His actions garnered both support and criticism, sparking a national conversation.
Kaepernick faced backlash from various quarters, including right-wing media outlets and political figures. He received death threats, and his NFL career took a significant hit. Following the 2016 season, he became a free agent, but no NFL team signed him, leading him to file a grievance against the NFL, alleging collusion among team owners to exclude him from the league. This strained his relationship with NFL organizations, and the grievance was later settled privately with undisclosed terms.
In 2019, Kaepernick participated in a private workout arranged by the NFL for interested teams, but no offers materialized. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged the league’s failure to address the concerns raised by Kaepernick and expressed support for his return to the NFL.
Despite the challenges, Kaepernick has continued his advocacy for racial equality and social justice. He has received awards and secured deals with companies like Disney and Nike, contributing to his estimated net worth of $20 million.
Why Is Colin Kaepernick Not in the NFL?
Colin Kaepernick’s absence from the NFL primarily stems from the controversy surrounding his peaceful protest during the national anthem in 2016. His decision to kneel as a protest against police brutality and racial inequality garnered significant attention and generated both support and backlash. Many NFL teams were hesitant to sign him after that season due to concerns about potential public relations and financial repercussions.
Following the 2016 season, Kaepernick became a free agent but remained unsigned by any NFL team. He filed a grievance against the NFL, alleging collusion among team owners to keep him out of the league, further straining his relationship with NFL organizations. Although the grievance was privately settled, the terms were not disclosed.
While Kaepernick had an opportunity to work out for NFL teams in 2019, he did not receive any offers. It is widely believed that his absence from the league is primarily due to concerns about controversy and how his presence might affect team dynamics and fan reactions.
Despite his ongoing activism and efforts to raise awareness about racial discrimination, Kaepernick has not been given another chance to play in the NFL.
When Did Colin Kaepernick Retire?
Colin Kaepernick has not officially retired from professional football, despite not having played in the NFL since the 2016 season. He has refrained from filing retirement papers, which would signify the end of his NFL career.
Kaepernick’s potential return to the NFL remains uncertain and largely depends on NFL team owners showing interest in signing him. Although he has been a free agent since the 2016 season, there has been limited interest from teams in offering him a contract. The NFL organized a workout for him in 2019, but it did not result in a contract, and some viewed it as a distraction.
At the age of 34 and without a regular starting role since 2014, Kaepernick faces significant challenges in making an NFL comeback. While his football career remains in limbo, he continues to be a prominent activist advocating for societal change, even without a role in the NFL.
Colin Kaepernick Salary
During his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016, Colin Kaepernick earned approximately $43 million in salary. In his final season with the team, he earned an estimated $14.3 million.
As of 2023, Colin Kaepernick’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. A significant boost to his financial standing came in September 2018 when he signed a deal with Nike. This partnership, however, hasn’t allowed his net worth to skyrocket, mainly due to his absence from professional football.
Kaepernick
has also secured endorsement deals with various companies throughout his career, including Beats By Dre headphones, McDonald’s, Jaguar, Electronic Arts, and MusclePharm. However, his most prominent endorsement deal came from Nike in 2018 when he became the face of their 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign.
Colin Kaepernick NFL Career
Colin Kaepernick embarked on his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. Initially, he served as a backup quarterback, attempting only a few passes during the 2011 season.
However, his breakthrough occurred in 2012 when he took over as the starting quarterback, showcasing his dynamic skills in both passing and rushing. This led to a quarterback controversy within the team, as the previous starter, Alex Smith, had been successful under coach Jim Harbaugh. Kaepernick’s playing style brought a different dimension to the game.
Kaepernick made history during the 2012 playoffs, setting records for quarterback rushing yards and touchdowns in a single game. He led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII, although they narrowly lost to the Baltimore Ravens. In the 2013 season, Kaepernick continued to excel, helping the 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game, though they fell short against the Seattle Seahawks.
Despite signing a lucrative contract extension in 2014, Kaepernick’s career took a downturn in subsequent years. He faced challenges in the 2015 season, lost his starting position in 2015, and dealt with injuries in 2016. After opting out of his contract in 2017, Kaepernick became a free agent and remained unsigned, leading to suspicions of collusion among NFL team owners due to his political statements. He filed a grievance against the NFL, which was later settled privately.
Kaepernick’s hopes of returning to the NFL persisted, with a workout organized by the league in 2019. However, as of 2022, he has not been signed by any NFL team, despite continued interest and efforts. Kaepernick’s journey has been marked by both on-field achievements and off-field activism, making him a prominent figure in the world of sports and social justice.
