Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick
Mike Morbeck · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Colin Kaepernick
Caption	Kaepernick in 2016
Birth date	3 November 1987
Birth place	Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Education	University of Nevada, Reno (BA)
Occupation	Activist, former quarterback
Years active	2011–2016 (NFL)
Spouse	Nessa Diab (engaged)

Colin Kaepernick is an American civil rights activist and former professional football quarterback. He played six seasons for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL), leading the team to Super Bowl XLVII. His peaceful protest during the U.S. national anthem in 2016, to highlight racial injustice and police brutality, ignited a nationwide debate and transformed him into a global symbol of activism. Following his departure from the NFL, he has focused on social justice work through initiatives like the Know Your Rights Camp and a publishing partnership with Kaepernick Publishing.

Early life and college career

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was adopted and raised in Turlock, California. A multi-sport standout at John H. Pitman High School, he excelled in football, baseball, and basketball. He accepted a scholarship to play football at the University of Nevada, Reno, for the Wolf Pack. Under coach Chris Ault, he thrived in the innovative Pistol offense, setting numerous NCAA records. His collegiate career culminated in a senior season where he won the WAC Offensive Player of the Year award and led Nevada to a victory in the 2010 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.

Professional career

Selected in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, he initially served as a backup to Alex Smith. He took over as the starter during the 2012 NFL season and quickly became a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, guiding the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII, where they narrowly lost to the Baltimore Ravens. The following season, he led the team to the NFC Championship Game. Known for his strong arm and rushing ability, he set a single-game playoff rushing record for a quarterback against the Green Bay Packers in the 2012–13 NFL playoffs. His performance earned him a lucrative contract extension in 2014. His playing time diminished in later seasons under coaches Jim Tomsula and Chip Kelly.

Activism and national anthem protests

In August 2016, during the NFL preseason, he began sitting, and then kneeling, during performances of "The Star-Spangled Banner" to protest systemic racism and police violence against African Americans. His protest, joined by teammate Eric Reid, drew intense national scrutiny and commentary from figures like Donald Trump and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The gesture sparked a wider movement across the NFL and other sports leagues, including the WNBA and Major League Soccer. In 2017, he opted out of his contract with the 49ers and became a free agent, but was not signed by any other team. He later filed a collusion grievance against the NFL, which was settled in 2019.

Post-NFL endeavors and legacy

Since his NFL exit, he has dedicated himself to activism and philanthropy. He founded the Know Your Rights Camp, a free campaign for youth focusing on education and self-empowerment. In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd and global George Floyd protests, he launched a publishing venture, Kaepernick Publishing. His activism has been recognized with awards like the Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award and the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award. In 2022, he produced and narrated the Netflix limited series *Colin in Black & White*. His iconic protest has cemented his status as a pivotal figure in the modern civil rights movement.

Personal life

He is engaged to television host and activist Nessa Diab. He follows a vegan diet and has been involved in various charitable efforts, including donations to organizations supporting social justice. In 2015, he became a spokesperson for the Nike campaign "Dream Crazy," which generated significant controversy and commercial success. He maintains a rigorous training regimen in hopes of an NFL return.

Category:American football quarterbacks Category:Activists Category:1987 births