Will Colin Kaepernick Make an NFL Comeback in 2024?

By Jason Bolton February 13, 2024 03:22 GMT+4 min read

Photo by MICHAEL ZAGARIS/SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS/GETTY IMAGES

Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback, has been a prominent figure in both sports and social activism. His career took a significant turn following his public protest against unaccountable police brutality in the United States, which led to a series of events that ultimately saw him out of the NFL. Despite this, there have been speculations and opportunities suggesting a potential comeback to the NFL. Let's delve into the details and look at the possibilities of Colin Kaepernick making an NFL comeback in 2024.

Colin Kaepernick's Career and Controversy

Colin Kaepernick rose to prominence as a star quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) during the 2010s. After leading the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2012 and achieving success in subsequent seasons, his career took a controversial turn in 2016 when he chose to publicly protest unaccountable police brutality by kneeling during the American national anthem.

Opportunities for a Comeback

XFL and CFL Options

As of late 2023, there were two potential options on the table for Kaepernick's return to football: the XFL and the CFL. The XFL, partially owned by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, had expressed interest in Kaepernick, as revealed by Johnson in an Instagram post. Additionally, the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) had added Kaepernick to their negotiation list, indicating a potential opportunity in Canada.

Interest in the NFL

Despite these alternative opportunities, Kaepernick has expressed his interest in returning to the NFL. He even wrote a letter to the New York Jets expressing his willingness to be their scout team quarterback after Aaron Rodgers' season-ending injury. However, as of now, the Jets have not shown interest in signing him, leaving his potential NFL comeback uncertain.

Role in Video Games

Wild Card Football

In 2023, Kaepernick's return to football took an unconventional turn as he became a prominent figure in the video game "Wild Card Football." This game, released on October 9, 2023, featured legacy players, with Kaepernick being one of them. Despite the game's departure from realistic gameplay, it provided Kaepernick with a platform to express his love for football and engage in player-driven experiences.

The Path to an NFL Comeback

Challenges and Opportunities

Kaepernick's potential NFL comeback faces several challenges, including his prolonged absence from the league and the controversies surrounding his social activism. However, with the landscape of professional football evolving, there may be opportunities for a comeback, especially given the changing dynamics in the NFL and the emergence of alternative football leagues. It remains to be seen whether Kaepernick will seize these opportunities and make a return to the NFL in 2024.

Colin Kaepernick's journey from NFL stardom to controversy and potential comeback has been a topic of widespread interest. While his return to the NFL in 2024 remains uncertain, his presence in alternative football platforms and ongoing discussions about potential opportunities indicate that the possibility of his comeback cannot be dismissed. As the landscape of professional football continues to evolve, the door may still be open for Kaepernick to make a significant return to the sport.

The future of Colin Kaepernick's NFL comeback in 2024 is uncertain, but the ongoing discussions and alternative opportunities suggest that the potential for his return cannot be overlooked.