Colin Kaepernick no longer watches NFL games and instead prefers college football, according to interviews given by the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback. Speaking to NBC News, the 38-year-old athlete stated that he avoids supporting a professional league that actively blacklists him and other players who protested social injustices during the national anthem.
An Exile Stretching Back to the 2016 Season
Kaepernick has remained outside the National Football League since the conclusion of the 2016 campaign. That departure followed his decision to begin kneeling during the national anthem to draw attention to social injustices. During his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, Kaepernick led the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance following the 2012 season. However, his professional career stalled amid widespread controversy surrounding his demonstrations.
Reflecting on his absence from the league, Kaepernick expressed clear reasons for tuning out professional Sundays. “No voy a apoyar a una organización que, primero, me está vetando activamente, pero segundo, también ha señalado a mis hermanos que han estado protestando como parte de esto”, afirmó en la entrevista con NBC News.
Legal Battles and Subsequent Agreement
The fallout from Kaepernick’s silent protests extended far beyond the football field. Alongside former teammate Eric Reid—who also knelt during the anthem—Kaepernick filed a grievance against the National Football League alleging collusion. That legal battle concluded in early 2019 when both parties reached a settlement.
Despite the end of the lawsuit, doors back into professional football did not open. What began as a temporary hiatus from the gridiron eventually solidified into retirement from the league, prompting Kaepernick to channel his energy and platform into civic engagement and activism.
Activism and Community Work Outside Football
Away from sports, Kaepernick runs initiatives focused on youth education and civil rights advocacy. His “Know Your Rights” camps are designed to educate young people. Additionally, his charitable foundation provides financial support for independent autopsies, including backing recent independent reviews such as the case of Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells.
Perspective on Legacy
When questioned by reporters about how he views his historical footprint and overall legacy, Kaepernick indicated that personal reputation is not his primary focus. “En lo que pienso es en cuáles son las áreas en las que puedo trabajar y que creo que van a tener un impacto y ayudarnos a avanzar hacia ese futuro juntos”, expresó. “Al final del día, la gente decidirá cuál es ese legado y, con suerte, será uno positivo”.
For now, when Kaepernick tunes in on autumn Saturdays, he bypasses the professional ranks entirely, following the collegiate game instead while continuing his advocacy work nationwide.
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