Almost nine years after playing his last game in the NFLthe name of Colin Kaepernick he sounds strongly, the former field of field of the San Francisco 49ersremembered for leading the team to a Super Bowl and for its historic protest during the national anthem, could find in the United Football League (UFL).
Doug Whaleysenior vice president of the league player operations, confirmed that the agency has the willingness to listen to Kaepernick If he decides to take the passage to return to the grids, but now in a nascent league.
“He knows we are here, so if he really wants it, we would hear it. It costs us anything to listen to “he declared in an interview with TMZ Sports on September 1, 2025.
What is the UFL?
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The UFL He was born in 2024 as a spring league with the aim of giving a second chance to players who seek to show and get a place in the NFL, and in just two seasons, it has become a springboard for dozens of athletes who, after shining in their fields, received calls from professional teams of the most important league in the world, relating their careers.
To Kaepernicknot to dispute an official match since 2016, this invitation represents much more than a simple alternative, means the possibility of putting a helmet again, accumulating minutes of the game and, above all, demonstrating that it still has the conditions to compete at a demanding level.
And although it is a complex challenge because different fuetes point out that it has been a veto, at least it would be the possibility of seeing it again in the emparrillas.
Why did Kaepernick come out of the NFL?
Kaepernick became one of the most media names of the NFL Not only for his talent, but for his convictions, and in 2016, decided to kneel during the United States anthem in protest against police violence and racismwith this, his gesture became a social movement, but also in the beginning of his distancing with the League.
After that season, curiously, no team offered a contract again and although he filed collusion demands and reached legal agreements, his sports career stagnated.
Since then, he has maintained individual training, has participated in community activities and has positioned himself as an activist in different spaces, but never found a real window to return to American futbol.
| Statistics | Regular season (race) | Playoffs (total) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches played / as a holder | 69 / 58 | 6 / 6 |
| Intentos de pase (to) | 1,692 | 162 |
| Completed passes (CMP) | 1,011 | 94 |
| Percentage of complete passes (CMP %) | 59.8 % | 58.0 % |
| Yardas per pass (YDS) | 12,271 | 1,374 |
| Average by pass (AVG) | 7.3 yds | 8.5 yds |
| Touchdowns / Intercepciones (TD–INT) | 72 – 30 | 7 – 5 |
| School Rating) | 88.9 | 87.3 |
| Carreras (to) | 375 | 51 |
| Yardas by career (Rush yds) | 2,300 | 507 |
| Average per race (YPC) | 6.1 yds | 9.9 yds |
| RUSH TD RUSH) | 13 | 4 |
| Record in playoffs | — | 3 victories, 3 losses |
Kaepernick’s other option could be Canada
In addition to the UFL, Whaley He acknowledged that Canadian Football League (CFL) It could also be a viable alternative, in Canada, Kaepernick He would have the possibility of adding recent experience in one of the most popular league, regardless of whether or not he returns to the NFL.
However, the UFL It seems to offer the most attractive scenario, a young tournament, with accessible calendar and with direct scout care of the NFL.
A return that divides opinions
The only possibility that Colin Kaepernick Play again divides opinions in the world of professional football and for many fans, it is an athlete who, despite the passage of time, retains sufficient leadership and talent to contribute to a professional dressing room.
For others, almost nine years out of activity represent a disadvantage too large with respect to their competitors and it is time to give space to the new promising generation of QB.
In any case, his return would generate expectation and open the debate about the relationship between sport, politics and civil rights, issues that have marked their figure since 2016, since opinions are more divided into an ideological theme.
With the potential of a gridiron comeback swirling around Colin Kaepernick, it’s important to assess his potential impact. Here’s a deeper dive into the numbers and possibilities:
Kaepernick’s NFL Career: A Statistical Overview
To provide a comprehensive look at Kaepernick’s career, we’ll analyze key statistics from his time in the NFL. This data will help contextualize his potential return and compare his performance to current NFL standards.
| Category | Regular Season | Playoffs | comparison/Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games Played/Started | 69/58 | 6/6 | Demonstrates experience, especially in high-pressure situations. |
| Passing Attempts | 1,692 | 162 | Shows volume of passing attempts. |
| Completions | 1,011 | 94 | Indicates passing accuracy. |
| Completion Percentage | 59.8% | 58.0% | Averaged near 60% during the Regular Season. |
| Passing Yards | 12,271 | 1,374 | Provides context on passing production. |
| Yards Per Attempt | 7.3 yds | 8.5 yds | Above 7 yards is considered a solid average for an NFL QB. |
| Touchdowns/Interceptions | 72/30 | 7/5 | Ratio indicates efficiency and turnover management. |
| Passer Rating | 88.9 | 87.3 | Solid rating, indicating efficiency. |
| Rushing Attempts | 375 | 51 | Highlights Kaepernick’s running threat. |
| Rushing Yards | 2,300 | 507 | shows Kaepernick as a dual-threat QB. |
| Yards Per Carry | 6.1 yds | 9.9 yds | Excellent yards-per-carry average, especially in the playoffs. |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 13 | 4 | Adds to the value of the dual-threat category. |
| Playoff Record | – | 3-3 | Playoff experience, showcasing his capability in high-stakes games. |
The UFL and Beyond: Potential Landing Spots
While the UFL offers a viable pathway, the canadian football League (CFL) remains another potential destination for Kaepernick [[2]]. Both leagues provide platforms for a comeback, but the UFL’s direct scouting ties to the NFL coudl offer a faster track back to the league. It is worth mentioning that the NFL has reportedly made its final decision on Kaepernick, as reported by [[1]].
FAQ: Colin Kaepernick’s Potential Comeback
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide clarity on the situation with Colin Kaepernick:
Q: Will Colin Kaepernick return to the NFL?
A: The future of Kaepernick in the NFL remains uncertain.Despite his reported training and willingness to return, an official invitation has not been made.
Q: What league is most likely to sign Colin Kaepernick?
A: the UFL appears to be a strong contender, as it has expressed interest in Kaepernick [[2]]. Though, the CFL is another option, offering a chance to play professional football.
Q: Why did Colin kaepernick leave the NFL?
A: Kaepernick left the NFL after kneeling during the national anthem to protest social injustice and police brutality, which led to controversy and eventually, his departure.
Q: What are Colin Kaepernick’s chances of making an NFL return?
A: It depends on his performance and the opportunities he’s given. While the NFL teams are not reaching to sign Kaepernick [[1]], a strong showing in the UFL or CFL might pique NFL teams’ interest.
Q: what impact would Kaepernick have on a team if he returned?
A: Kaepernick’s impact could extend beyond the field, as demonstrated by his previous impact. His athleticism is undeniable, however, it remains to be seen if this is the case nine years later.
As the situation unfolds, we will continue to provide updates on Kaepernick’s journey. For now, fans can only speculate and hope that he gets a chance to prove himself once again.
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