When was the Last Time Colin Kaepernick Played in the NFL? What Happened to Colin Kaepernick? Why is Colin Kaepernick Not in the NFL?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Sep 13, 2023
When was the Last Time Colin Kaepernick Played in the NFL?
Colin Kaepernick last played in the NFL on January 1, 2017. He was initially drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011 and gained attention in 2016 when he kneeled during the national anthem to protest racial inequalities. After that season, the 49ers hired a new coach who didn't think Kaepernick's playing style fit their system, so they released him. Despite trying out for several NFL teams in 2019, he wasn't signed and hasn't played in the league since.
Tim Tebow, a former quarterback, signed as a tight end with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023, even though he had declined a position change during his NFL career. This decision led to backlash and raised questions about why Kaepernick hasn't received a similar chance.
Tebow's signing is seen as unusual because he's transitioning to a new position at 33 years old while playing alongside a rookie quarterback and under a rookie NFL head coach, Urban Meyer. This has sparked controversy and debates about fairness in the NFL.
Who is Colin Kaepernick?
Colin Kaepernick is an American civil rights activist and a former NFL quarterback who is currently not signed with any football team. He played for the San Francisco 49ers for six seasons. In 2016, he gained attention for kneeling during the national anthem before NFL games as a protest against police brutality and racial inequality in the United States.
Kaepernick started his football career in college at the University of Nevada, where he earned several awards for his performance. He was drafted by the 49ers in 2011 and initially served as a backup quarterback. However, he became the team's starting quarterback in 2012 and led them to the Super Bowl.
His decision to kneel during the national anthem sparked both support and criticism. Some praised him for his stance against racism, while others opposed the protests. President Donald Trump's comments further fueled the controversy. Kaepernick became a free agent after the 2016 season and remained unsigned, with many believing it was due to his protests.
He filed a grievance against the NFL, which was later settled privately. Despite renewed attention to his cause in 2020, he has not been signed by any professional football team.
Name
Colin Kaepernick
Born
November 3, 1987
Birthplace
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight
230 lb (104 kg)
High School
Pitman (Turlock, California)
College
Nevada (2006–2010)
Position
Quarterback
NFL Draft
2011 / Round: 2 / Pick: 36
Age
35 Years Old
What Happened to Colin Kaepernick?
Colin Kaepernick, an American quarterback, is widely known for his peaceful protest against police brutality in the USA. In 2016, during NFL games, he began sitting and later kneeling during the national anthem to draw attention to racial injustice and police brutality. His actions stirred both support and criticism, with some condemning him for disrespecting the flag and others praising his stance.
As a result of his protest, Kaepernick faced backlash from right-wing media outlets and even criticism from political figures. He received death threats, and his NFL career took a significant hit. After the 2016 season, he became a free agent but was not signed by any team, leading him to file a grievance against the NFL, claiming collusion among team owners to keep him out of the league.
In 2019, Kaepernick participated in a private workout for NFL teams, but no offers materialized. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell later acknowledged the league's failure to address the concerns raised by Kaepernick and expressed support for his return to the NFL.
Despite these challenges, Kaepernick has continued to raise awareness about racial discrimination and inequality, receiving awards and signing deals with companies like Disney and Nike, contributing to his estimated net worth of $20 million.
Why is Colin Kaepernick Not in the NFL?
Colin Kaepernick is not in the NFL primarily due to the controversy surrounding his peaceful protest during the national anthem in 2016. Kaepernick's decision to kneel as a protest against police brutality and racial inequality sparked both support and backlash. Many NFL teams were hesitant to sign him after that, likely fearing public relations and potential financial repercussions.
After the 2016 season, Kaepernick became a free agent but remained unsigned by any team. He filed a grievance against the NFL, alleging that team owners conspired to keep him out of the league, which further strained his relationship with NFL organizations. This grievance was eventually settled privately, but the terms remain undisclosed.
While Kaepernick had an opportunity to work out for NFL teams in 2019, he received no offers. It's widely believed that his absence from the league is due to the perceived controversy and concerns about how his presence might affect team dynamics and fan reactions. Despite his ongoing advocacy for social justice causes, Kaepernick has not yet been given another chance to play in the NFL.
When Did Colin Kaepernick Retire?
Colin Kaepernick, despite not having played in the NFL since 2016, has not officially retired from professional football. He has kept the door open for a potential comeback by not filing retirement papers, which would signify the end of his NFL career.
However, Kaepernick's return to the NFL is uncertain and depends on NFL team owners. He has been a free agent since the 2016 season, and there has been limited interest from teams in signing him. The NFL organized a workout for him in 2019, but it didn't lead to a contract, and some saw it as a distraction.
Kaepernick's situation is unique because, despite being the first to kneel during the national anthem in protest, other players who followed his lead have been able to continue their NFL careers. With time, his activism has become a defining aspect of his public persona.
At 34 years old and without a regular starting role since 2014, Kaepernick faces significant challenges in making an NFL comeback. While it's unfortunate that his football career appears to be on hold, he continues to be a prominent activist advocating for societal change, even without a job in the NFL.
Colin Kaepernick NFL Stats
Regular season
Year
Team
Games
Passing
Rushing
Sacks
Fumbles
GP
GS
Record
Cmp
Att
Pct
Yds
Y/A
TD
Int
Rtg
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
Sck
Yds
Fum
Lost
2011
SF
3
0
—
3
5
60.0
35
7.0
0
0
81.3
2
−2
−1.0
0
0
0
0
0
2012
SF
13
7
5–2
136
218
62.4
1,814
8.3
10
3
98.3
63
415
6.6
5
16
112
9
2
2013
SF
16
16
12–4
243
416
58.4
3,197
7.7
21
8
91.6
92
524
5.7
4
39
231
6
4
2014
SF
16
16
8–8
289
478
60.5
3,369
7.0
19
10
86.4
104
639
6.1
1
52
344
8
5
2015
SF
9
8
2–6
144
244
59.0
1,615
6.6
6
5
78.5
45
256
5.7
1
28
166
5
1
2016
SF
12
11
1–10
196
331
59.2
2,241
6.8
16
4
90.7
69
468
6.8
2
36
207
9
3
Career
69
58
28–30
1,011
1,692
59.8
12,271
7.3
72
30
88.9
375
2,300
6.1
13
171
1,060
37
15
Colin Kaepernick Salary
The quarterback made about $43 million in salary while he played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016. In his last season with the team, he earned around $14.3 million.
As of 2023, Colin Kaepernick's net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. A significant boost to his financial standing came in September 2018 when he signed a deal with Nike. This partnership, however, hasn't allowed his net worth to skyrocket, mainly due to his absence from professional football.
During his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016, Kaepernick earned approximately $43 million in salary. In his final season with the 49ers, he earned an estimated $14.3 million. Kaepernick has also secured endorsement deals with various companies, including Beats By Dre headphones, McDonald's, Jaguar, Electronic Arts, and MusclePharm.
Also, his most prominent endorsement deal came from Nike in 2018 when he became the face of their 30th anniversary "Just Do It" campaign. Although Kaepernick had been with Nike since 2011, the company did not utilize him until he gained prominence in 2016 for his peaceful protest against racial discrimination by kneeling during the national anthem at NFL games.
Colin Kaepernick NFL Career
Colin Kaepernick, a talented quarterback, started his professional career with the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. Initially, he served as a backup to Alex Smith, attempting only a few passes in the 2011 season.
His breakthrough came in 2012 when he took over as the starting quarterback, showcasing his dynamic skills with both passing and rushing abilities. This led to a quarterback controversy, as Smith was a successful starter under coach Jim Harbaugh, while Kaepernick brought a different dimension to the game.
Kaepernick made history in the 2012 playoffs, setting records for quarterback rushing yards and touchdowns in a single game. He led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII, although they narrowly lost to the Baltimore Ravens. In the 2013 season, Kaepernick continued to excel, helping the 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game, though they fell short against the Seattle Seahawks.
Despite signing a lucrative contract extension in 2014, Kaepernick's career took a downturn in the following years. He struggled in the 2015 season, lost his starting position in 2015, and faced injuries in 2016. After opting out of his contract in 2017, Kaepernick remained unsigned, leading to suspicions of collusion by NFL owners due to his political statements. He filed a grievance against the NFL, which was later settled.
Kaepernick's hopes of returning to the NFL persisted, with a workout organized by the league in 2019. However, as of 2022, he has not been signed by any NFL team, despite continued interest and efforts. Kaepernick's journey has been marked by both on-field achievements and off-field activism, making him a prominent figure in the world of sports and social justice.
When was the Last Time Colin Kaepernick Played in the NFL: FAQs
Colin Kaepernick's net worth in 2023 is estimated to be around $20 million.
Kaepernick has had endorsement deals with companies such as Beats By Dre headphones, McDonald's, Jaguar, Electronic Arts, and MusclePharm. However, his most significant endorsement deal came from Nike in 2018 when he became the face of their "Just Do It" campaign.
Nike signed Colin Kaepernick for their 30th-anniversary "Just Do It" campaign after he gained prominence in 2016 for his peaceful protest against racial discrimination by kneeling during the national anthem at NFL games.
Kaepernick became the starting quarterback in 2012, leading the team to Super Bowl XLVII and setting records for quarterback rushing yards and touchdowns in a playoff game.
In 2013, Kaepernick helped the 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game, narrowly missing out on a Super Bowl appearance.