…player in NCAA Division I FBS history to amass 10,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards in a career. After graduating, he was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Kaepernick began his professional football career as a backup quarterback to Alex Smith, and became the 49ers’ starter in the middle of the 2012 season after Smith suffered a concussion. He then remained the team’s starting quarterback for the rest of the season, leading the team to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1994. During the 2013 season, his first full season as a starter, Kaepernick helped the 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game. Over the next three seasons, Kaepernick lost and won back his starting job, with the 49ers missing the playoffs for three years consecutively. He opted out of his contract with the 49ers to become a free agent after the 2016 season.
Kaepernick’s current free agency status has also been the subject of discussion and controversy. In 2017, Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL for alleged collusion on part of the team owners. While fighting for his right back in the NFL, he’s fighting for others rights and giving them the tools to fight for themselves.
It may have started with Colin Kaepernick, but it doesn’t end with him. What will you stand (or kneel) for?