The former NFL quarterback reflects on his protest and its impact at the Black Footwear Forum
Category: Politics
Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, is marking the tenth anniversary of his historic protest against racial injustice and police brutality with the release of his new memoir, The Perilous Fight. In a recent appearance at the Black Footwear Forum in Detroit, Kaepernick expressed his commitment to community-building and coalition efforts aimed at driving meaningful change.
During the event, Kaepernick joined sports journalist Jemele Hill to discuss his NFL career, the protest that changed the course of his life, and the collective action he believes is necessary to create structural change. Kaepernick's protest, which began when he knelt during the national anthem in 2016, sparked widespread debate and backlash, leading to his exclusion from the league.
"I think the reason that one bothers me is because it was trying to attack the intention and sincerity around what I was trying to do and what I was trying to accomplish, and that just isn’t the case," Kaepernick said, referring to narratives that suggest he was bad at football or that his activism was financially motivated. He emphasized that his actions were rooted in a genuine desire to address systemic issues affecting the Black community.
In the aftermath of his protest, Kaepernick alleged that NFL team owners colluded to keep him out of the league, leading him to file a grievance in 2017. This grievance eventually ended in a settlement, but Kaepernick's career was effectively derailed after the 2016 season, when he became a free agent and no team signed him.
"I don’t think anyone should ever have their career taken from them for fighting for us, first and foremost," Kaepernick stated during the forum. "Second, I know the message that the NFL was trying to send. They were trying to send very explicitly, ‘Hey, if you try to fight for Black folks, we’ll take your career from you.’" Kaepernick's resolve to return to the NFL is not just about personal ambition; it is also about challenging the culture of obedience he perceives within the league.
As Kaepernick continues to train daily, he remains hopeful about the possibility of returning to professional football. He explained, "I worked my ass off to get to this place. I put in the work and the hours; I want the same shot that everybody else gets." He believes that being denied this opportunity reveals the NFL's true values, which he argues prioritize compliance over talent.
Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem was not a spur-of-the-moment act; rather, it was the culmination of a lifetime of experiences and education about racial injustice. He credits his wife, Nessa Diab, with introducing him to influential works by figures like Malcolm X and James Baldwin, which deepened his awareness of systemic oppression.
His initial protest in 2016 came after witnessing numerous instances of police violence against Black individuals, including the killings of Mario Woods, Alton Sterling, and Philando Castile. Kaepernick explained, "You either look at yourself in the mirror and say, ‘I’m gonna take action and try to do something about it,’ or, ‘I’m not going to, and I’m going to be complicit in this.’" This personal conviction drove him to take a stand, even at great personal cost.
The consequences of his activism were severe. Kaepernick faced a torrent of backlash, including death threats and public vilification. He noted that the NFL's response was to effectively exile him from the sport, a move he interprets as a warning to other players about the potential repercussions of speaking out. He remarked, "History tells us that a reaction like this is likely to take place," acknowledging the broader societal implications of his actions.
Looking ahead, Kaepernick is focused on continuing his advocacy work through initiatives like the Know Your Rights Camp, which aims to educate young people about their rights and empower them to effect change. He remains committed to the idea that athletes can and should use their platforms for activism.
On October 8, Kaepernick will participate in a conversation at the National Civil Rights Museum, where he will discuss his memoir and the role of athletes as activists. The event is expected to draw considerable interest, with tickets already on sale for both general admission and VIP access, which includes an autographed copy of his book.
Kaepernick's narrative reflects a broader cultural shift in which athletes increasingly embrace their roles as advocates for social justice. As he continues to train and prepare for a potential return to the NFL, he remains steadfast in his belief that the fight for equality and justice is far from over. "The work still needs to be done," he affirmed, underscoring his commitment to continue advocating for change.
As Kaepernick approaches the anniversary of his initial protest, he emphasizes the importance of collective action and the need for sustained efforts to address systemic injustices. With his memoir serving as both a reflection on his past and a guide for future activism, Kaepernick is determined to inspire the next generation of athletes to stand up for what they believe in.