Colin Kaepernick: ‘I Would Do It Again’ – The Athlete Who Took a Knee for Black Lives Matter
Nearly eight years after his silent protest during the national anthem ignited a nationwide conversation about race and justice in America, Colin Kaepernick remains resolute in his conviction. In a recent interview published by Italian news outlet Repubblica on April 22, 2026, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback stated unequivocally that he would make the same choice again if given the opportunity.
“Non posso onorare una bandiera che rappresenta un Paese che opprime i neri con una brutalità organizzata,” Kaepernick explained in 2016, words that continue to define his legacy. His decision to kneel during the pre-game anthem was not an isolated act but the culmination of growing awareness about systemic injustice, particularly following a summer marked by violence against Black Americans.
The protest began quietly in August 2016 when Kaepernick first sat on the bench during the anthem before transitioning to kneeling—a gesture suggested by former NFL player and military veteran Nate Boyer to demonstrate greater respect while maintaining the message. What started as a personal stance quickly evolved into a movement, with players across the league joining in various forms of demonstration.
Despite his athletic prowess—Kaepernick led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII in the 2012 season and was known for his dual-threat ability as both passer and rusher—he has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season. Teams have not offered him a contract since he became a free agent in March 2017, a situation many observers attribute to the political nature of his protest rather than his on-field performance.
In the Repubblica interview, Kaepernick reflected on the personal cost of his activism. “È l’uomo che ha messo in ginocchio l’America. E anche lo sport,” the article describes, noting how his actions challenged not only societal norms but also the traditionally apolitical culture of professional football. At 38 years old, he presents a calm, thoughtful demeanor that contrasts with the image of a fiery agitator some expected.
His commitment extends beyond the field. Kaepernick has donated millions of dollars to organizations supporting Black communities through his Know Your Rights Camp and other initiatives. These efforts, combined with his on-field protest, led to him being honored with Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award in 2018.
The NFL’s business model, as referenced in the original Italian source material, operates without fully guaranteed contracts—a stark contrast to leagues like the NBA where guaranteed money is standard. This structure means players can be released or traded at any time, creating inherent instability in their careers. For Kaepernick, this reality intersected with his activism when no team signed him despite workouts and expressed interest from some franchises.
When asked about the possibility of a return to football, Kaepernick has consistently emphasized that his focus remains on advocacy work rather than reclaiming a roster spot. His foundation continues to educate youth on their rights and provide resources to underserved communities, maintaining the mission that began with that first knee on the sideline.
As of April 2026, Colin Kaepernick stands as one of the most significant athlete-activists of the 21st century—a figure whose protest reshaped discussions about patriotism, free speech, and the role of sports figures in social movements. Whether viewed as a hero or a divisive figure depending on one’s perspective, his answer remains clear when reflecting on that pivotal decision: he would kneel again.
The conversation he started continues to evolve, with leagues and teams now engaging more openly on issues of racial justice—a development Kaepernick acknowledges as progress while emphasizing that substantial work remains to achieve true equity.
For now, the former quarterback focuses on life beyond the gridiron, guided by the same principles that led him to take a knee nearly a decade ago. His message to those questioning his choice is simple and unwavering: if faced with the same circumstances, he would make the exact same decision without hesitation.
As sports continue to intersect with societal issues, Kaepernick’s legacy serves as a reminder that athletes can leverage their platforms to advocate for change—even when it comes at a profound personal cost.
The next confirmed checkpoint in Kaepernick’s ongoing advocacy work is the annual Know Your Rights Camp summit, scheduled for later in 2026, where he will continue mentoring youth on civic engagement and self-empowerment.
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