Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick says he’s prepared to return to the NFL in a backup position.
“I do know I've to seek out my means again in,” Kaepernick informed Brandon Marshall, Chad Johnson and Adam “Pacman” Jones in an interview with the “I Am Athlete” podcast. “If I've to return in as a backup, that’s positive. However that’s not the place I’m staying. And after I show that I’m a starter, I would like to have the ability to step on the sphere as such.”
Kaepernick final performed within the NFL in 2016, when he started kneeling for the nationwide anthem to protest racial injustice and received the Len Eshmont Award, given yearly to the 49er who greatest exemplifies the “inspirational and brave play” of Eshmont.
A number of gamers across the NFL joined Kaepernick in kneeling for the anthem throughout that season, and the protest has since crossed into different sports activities and international locations.
Kaepernick has been within the information cycle this offseason: He threw to undrafted receivers at halftime of Michigan’s spring sport — on the invitation of ex-49ers coach Jim Harbaugh — and final month, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll famous that Kaepernick was deserving of one other shot within the NFL.
Carroll and the Seahawks hosted Kaepernick for a exercise in 2017 however didn't signal him.
Kaepernick pointed to the NFL’s messaging on racism for the reason that 2020 killing of George Floyd as proof that his stance isn't outdoors of the league’s mainstream.
“You've gotten ‘Finish Racism’ behind your finish zone. You've gotten ‘Black Lives Matter’ in your helmet. All the things I’ve stated ought to be in alignment with what you’re saying publicly,” he stated. “It’s a $16 billion enterprise. Once I first took a knee, my jersey went to No. 1. Once I did the cope with Nike, their worth elevated by $6 billion.”
The quarterback starred as a twin risk for San Francisco early in his profession because the 49ers reached Tremendous Bowl XLVII after he took over for Alex Smith, however he later struggled to regulate because the 49ers modified teaching staffs after each the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
He’s hopeful for one more likelihood, even when it comes as a second stringer.
“The NFL’s presupposed to be a meritocracy. Are available, let me compete. If I’m not ok, eliminate me. However let me are available in and present you.”
The 49ers at the moment have second-year quarterback Trey Lance set to start out subsequent fall, with Nate Sudfeld the anticipated backup in the meanwhile. Jimmy Garoppolo is underneath contract however the Niners are in search of to commerce him and his cap hit of practically $27 million elsewhere.
Employees author Kerry Crowley contributed to this story.