Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick hasn’t thrown a pass in NFL since New Year’s Day 2017, but that hasn’t stopped him from firing shots. After being benched, protesting the national anthem, and eventually getting released, the athlete-turned-activist never seems to shy away from criticizing the teams and their owners.
Despite his disdain for the NFL and its product, he’s also attempted several times to rejoin a franchise at some point. However, private workouts and lots of media attention weren’t enough to land him another opportunity. It’s left him hyper-critical of Commissioner Roger Goodell and the game’s overall efforts in addressing racial issues.
In what can either be considered a justifiable concern or merely just sour grapes, Kaepernick has not let up on the issue in the seven years since he last played a game. He’s said on numerous occasions that black players are treated unfairly by the NFL, which is ownership is overwhelmingly Caucasian. He’s pointed to the fact that he never got a ‘second chance’ as evidence that the League hasn’t taken that many steps forward since his departure.
“I haven’t seen any substantial change, I think there is a lot of work to do on that front,” Colin Kaepernick told NPR during a recent interview to promote his graphic novel, Change the Game. “Obviously, not playing and being out of the NFL for six years is an indictment on where they are currently at. So I wouldn’t put them at the forefront of goodwill and best of intentions in how they operate.”
Needless to say, this hasn’t endeared him to a fan base that’s extremely loyal to the National Football League. Their rationale is that Colin Kaepernick is basically acting like a veritable crybaby at this point.
They have reasoned in multiple social media posts a similar refrain: If he’s so good, he would already have been signed by a team. In the eyes of many, the issue is a lack of talent, and NOT a lack of tolerance.
In hindsight, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted that he should have listened and paid heed to Colin Kaepernick’s message. However, Kaepernick continues to push his narrative to an extreme that many fans just can’t stomach. And the fact that he’s talked about playing, without really taking a ton of steps to actually make it happen – has made him the target of plenty of backlash.
One fan felt that Kaepernick basically got what he deserved. “He is and should be cancelled,” while another fan simply stated, “I can’t believe you are still talking about him.”
Some went to far as to take personal shots at the former 49ers quarterback, labelling him as ‘follish’ and even referring to him as “a clown”.
While Colin Kaepernick did lead the Niners to a Super Bowl XLVII loss against the Baltimore Ravens, before asking for his release and then accusing NFL owners of blackballing him from the league.
After the two sides settled, he was free to sign with any team in The League. At age 35, his window of opportunity to have any career is now essentially over, leaving many to speculate on what his career might have been. For his part, Kap says he will continue on his mission and spreading his message.
