Colin Kaepernick is known primarily for two intertwined actions: his tenure as an NFL quarterback and his decision to kneel during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. This overview summarizes what he did on and off the field, including his college career at Nevada, his draft and time with the San Francisco 49ers, his decision to opt out of his contract in 2017 to pursue free agency, and the ongoing consequences of his protest, including league disputes and activism through his Know Your Rights Camp. The following sections detail the background, specifics, and broader implications of his actions and status.
Background and NFL Career
College and Entry into the NFL
Colin Kaepernick played college football at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he was a standout quarterback. He declared for the 2011 NFL Draft and was selected in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers. He served as a backup early in his career before becoming the team’s starter in 2012. Over six seasons with the 49ers, he led the team to a 49–17 record and a division title, while also reaching Super Bowl XLVII after the 2012 season, where the 49ers lost to the Baltimore Ravens.
Playing Style and Achievements
Kaepernick was noted for his dual-threat ability as a quarterback, combining mobility with improvisation and an efficient passing game. He finished his NFL regular season career with 11,836 passing yards, 73 passing touchdowns, and 30 rushing touchdowns. His career quarterback rating was 88.4. In postseason play, he completed 152 of 298 passes for 1,763 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, with a postseason quarterback rating of 91.8.
| Category | Metric | Value | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Passing Yards | 11,836 | Passing yards | Official NFL |
| Regular Season Passing TDs | 73 | Touch passes | Official NFL |
| Regular Season Rushing TDs | 30 | Touch runs | Official NFL |
| Postseason Passing Yards | 1,763 | Playoff passing yards | Official NFL |
| Postseason QB Rating | 91.8 | Rating | Official NFL |
The National Anthem Protest
Origins and Actions
In 2016, Kaepernick began sitting, and later kneeling, during the national anthem before games to draw attention to racial inequality and police brutality against Black Americans. He stated his intent was to peacefully protest injustice. The act sparked widespread discussion, support from some quarters, and criticism from others, including league owners, government officials, and segments of the fan base. Other players joined him in various forms of protest, amplifying the conversation around race and sports.
League Response and Free Agency Decision
After the 2016 season, Kaepernick became a free agent but was not signed by any team, leading to an grievance against the NFL alleging collusion. In March 2017, he opted out of his contract with the 49ers, making himself a free agent and keeping his protest active. The league and team ownership maintained that business decisions were not related to his on-field performance or political stance. No team signed him for the 2017 season or beyond, which became the central issue in his collusion claim.
Activism and Legal Action
Know Your Rights Camp and Legal Grievance
Kaepernick launched the Know Your Rights Camp to educate young people on their rights and provide resources related to higher education, self-empowerment, and legal awareness. In 2017, he filed a grievance claiming the NFL and its owners colluded to keep him out of the league because of his protest. The grievance proceeded through a binding arbitration process. In 2019, the arbitrator ruled in favor of the NFL, finding no evidence of collusion, though both sides expressed disappointment with the outcome.
Ongoing Activism and Public Engagement
Following the arbitration ruling, Kaepernick continued his activism through donations, partnerships, and public statements on racial justice and police accountability. He has used social media and interviews to frame the protest as part of a broader civil rights effort, and he has supported organizations working toward systemic change. He has not returned to NFL play since leaving the 49ers.
Impact and Legacy
Cultural Influence and Perception
Kaepernick’s protest influenced conversations about athlete activism, the intersection of sports and politics, and racial justice in the United States. What began as an individual act by one quarterback evolved into a movement across the league, with many players, teams, and organizations joining in various forms of advocacy. Public opinion remains divided, with some viewing him as a hero standing against injustice and others seeing his actions as disrespectful to the flag and military.
League Rules and Policy Changes
The NFL adopted a revised policy on national anthem conduct in 2018, allowing players to remain in the locker room during the anthem if they choose, while encouraging on-field participation. The policy was updated again in 2021 to require players to stand, though it allowed for rare exceptions. These changes reflect ongoing negotiation between player expression, team interests, and public reaction.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Drafted by San Francisco 49ers | Launched professional career |
| 2016 | Kneeling during national anthem begins | Started national conversation on protest and race |
| 2017 | Opted out of contract; filed collusion grievance | |
| 2019 | Arbitration ruling against Kaepernick | Found no collusion; issue remains legally closed |
| 2021 | NFL anthem policy change to require standing | Policy shift affecting player conduct and expression |
FAQ
Reader questions
Why did Kaepernick start kneeling?
He began kneeling (after initially sitting) to peacefully protest racial injustice and police brutality, stating it was a way to highlight systemic issues affecting Black Americans.
Did the NFL ban him?
No team signed him after the 2016 season, and he filed a grievance alleging collusion. An arbitrator ruled in 2019 that there was no collusion, though the grievance process and policy changes followed.
What is Know Your Rights Camp?
An initiative founded by Kaepernick to educate young people on their rights and provide resources around education, empowerment, and legal understanding.
Did the NFL change its anthem policy because of him?
Yes. The NFL revised its anthem policy multiple times, moving from allowing players to opt out to requiring them to stand, with limited exceptions, reflecting ongoing debates about protest and expression.
Is Colin Kaepernick still protesting?
He remains active in activism focused on racial justice and police accountability, using donations, partnerships, and public advocacy to support systemic change.