Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback, has recently expressed his unwavering desire to return to the league despite not playing for over seven years. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Kaepernick stated that he is still training and pushing to make a comeback, hoping that one of the team owners will give him an opportunity.
Kaepernick’s Age and Comparison to Active NFL Quarterbacks
Kaepernick, now 36 years old, has not played in the NFL since his time with the San Francisco 49ers. Despite his prolonged absence, he remains younger than some active players, such as New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (40) and the same age as Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, and Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson.
| Player | Age |
|---|---|
| Aaron Rodgers | 40 |
| Colin Kaepernick | 36 |
| Matthew Stafford | 36 |
| Kirk Cousins | 36 |
| Russell Wilson | 36 |
Kaepernick emphasized that he could bring a lot to a team and help them win a championship. He also mentioned that returning to the NFL would be a major moment and accomplishment for him, as he has trained his whole life for it.
Kaepernick’s Last Significant NFL Action and the Controversy Surrounding It
Kaepernick’s last significant NFL action was in 2016, when he led the 49ers to the NFC Championship game. His decision to kneel during the national anthem that year sparked controversy and led to his eventual departure from the team. He has since filed a collusion grievance against the NFL, which was resolved in 2019.
Kaepernick’s Continued Efforts to Make an NFL Comeback
In recent years, Kaepernick has had workouts with teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders in May 2022, but no deal has been imminent. He has also expressed his willingness to join a team, even offering to join the New York Jets’ practice squad in 2023, but was declined.
Despite the challenges, Kaepernick remains committed to his goal of returning to the NFL and making a significant impact on the field. He has continued to train and stay in shape, hoping that one of the team owners will give him a chance to prove his worth.
Kaepernick’s Impact on the NFL and Social Justice
Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem in 2016 was a powerful statement against racial injustice and police brutality. This act sparked a nationwide debate and led to a significant shift in the NFL’s approach to social justice issues.
Since his departure from the NFL, Kaepernick has remained active in social justice causes, including founding the “Know Your Rights” camp, which aims to empower and educate underprivileged youth. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts and has continued to advocate for change.
Potential Obstacles and Opportunities for Kaepernick’s Comeback
Despite Kaepernick’s continued efforts, there are several potential obstacles he may face in his quest to return to the NFL. Some team owners may be hesitant to sign him due to the controversy surrounding his protests, while others may be concerned about his extended absence from the game.
However, there are also potential opportunities for Kaepernick. With the NFL’s increased focus on social justice and diversity, some teams may be more open to giving him a chance, especially if they believe he can still contribute on the field.
Conclusion
Colin Kaepernick’s pursuit of an NFL comeback remains a compelling and complex story. While he has faced significant challenges, his unwavering determination and commitment to his goals are admirable. As the NFL continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if Kaepernick’s opportunity to return to the league will arise, and how his impact on the sport and social justice will be remembered.
References:
1. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/colin-kaepernick-says-hes-still-training-pushing-to-make-nfl-comeback-despite-not-playing-for-past-7-years/
2. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/news/_/id/14001/colin-kaepernick
3. https://twitter.com/kaepernick7?lang=en
