For nearly a decade, Colin Kaepernick’s name has been synonymous with both activism and football exile. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, who last played in the NFL in 2016, has remained one of the most polarizing yet influential figures in sports history. Now, after eight years away from the game, Kaepernick has publicly declared that he is ready for an NFL return. His announcement has reignited debates about his talent, his activism, and whether the league—or its teams—are willing to give him another chance.
Kaepernick’s journey back to the NFL has been anything but straightforward. Once a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2013, his career took a dramatic turn in 2016 when he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice. What started as a quiet demonstration quickly became a national firestorm, drawing both fierce support and vehement backlash. While some praised him for using his platform to highlight systemic racism, others accused him of disrespecting the military and the flag. The controversy overshadowed his on-field abilities, and despite being just 29 years old at the time, he found himself unsigned after opting out of his contract with the 49ers in 2017.
Since then, Kaepernick has remained in the public eye, but not as a football player. He became a symbol of the athlete-activist, partnering with Nike in a high-profile ad campaign, writing a memoir, and producing a Netflix series about his life and activism. He also continued training, holding well-publicized workouts for NFL scouts in 2019 and 2022, though no team offered him a contract. Many speculated that his blackballing was less about his skills and more about the perceived distraction his activism would bring. Now, at 36 years old, Kaepernick insists he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
In a recent interview, Kaepernick expressed both confidence and realism about his potential return. “I’ve never stopped training, never stopped preparing,” he said. “I know I can still play at an elite level. My accuracy, my arm strength, my ability to read defenses—it’s all still there. But more than that, I bring leadership and a mindset that can elevate a team.” His supporters point to his career stats—72 touchdowns, 30 interceptions, and a passer rating of 88.9—as evidence that he was far from a washed-up player when he left the league. They argue that his mobility and experience in a playoff-tested system could make him a valuable backup or even a bridge starter for a team in transition.
However, skepticism remains. The NFL is a league that often favors youth, and at 36, Kaepernick would be older than most quarterbacks seeking a comeback. Additionally, the game has evolved since his last snap, with offenses becoming even more pass-heavy and complex. Critics question whether he could adapt to modern schemes after such a long hiatus. Yet, Kaepernick’s advocates counter that his intelligence and work ethic would allow him to catch up quickly, especially given his years of staying in football shape.
The bigger obstacle may not be his age or ability but the lingering perception of controversy. While the NFL has made strides in addressing social justice issues in recent years—pledging millions to related causes and allowing players to wear messages on their helmets—Kaepernick’s name still carries immense weight. Some team owners may fear backlash from fans or sponsors if they sign him, while others might worry about media scrutiny overshadowing their season. Still, the landscape has shifted since 2016. The murder of George Floyd in 2020 sparked a global reckoning on race, and many athletes across sports have since embraced activism without facing the same level of vitriol Kaepernick endured.
Interestingly, Kaepernick’s potential return comes at a time when the NFL is experiencing a quarterback shortage. Several teams are struggling with inconsistent play under center, and injuries always create midseason opportunities for veterans. Could a desperate team take a chance on him? Some analysts believe it’s possible, especially if Kaepernick is willing to accept a backup role initially. Others suggest that a team with a progressive-minded owner or a strong locker room culture might see him as a low-risk, high-reward addition.
Kaepernick himself seems aware of the challenges but remains undeterred. “This isn’t just about me,” he said. “It’s about showing that you can stand for something and still compete at the highest level. I want to prove that activism and athletics aren’t mutually exclusive.” His determination has resonated with many current players, including some who have publicly urged teams to give him a shot. Stars like Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson have praised Kaepernick’s impact on and off the field, and even some coaches have acknowledged his football IQ and physical readiness.
The question now is whether any team will take the leap. The NFL has seen comeback stories before—Michael Vick returned after prison, and Josh Gordon got multiple chances despite suspensions—but Kaepernick’s case is unique. His absence wasn’t due to legal trouble or off-field misconduct but to his political stance. If he does get signed, it would send a powerful message about redemption and reconciliation in a league that has often struggled with both.
As training camps approach, all eyes will be on general managers and owners. Will one of them see Kaepernick as a solution rather than a distraction? Or will his NFL dream remain unfulfilled? For now, Kaepernick waits, trains, and hopes that his phone rings with an offer. Whether or not it happens, his legacy is already cemented. But for a competitor like him, the chance to step back on the field—to silence doubters with his play—would be the ultimate vindication.
Eight years is a long time in football years. But Colin Kaepernick believes he still has something left to give. The ball, as they say, is in the NFL’s court.
