How Colin Kaepernick Changed the NFL Forever: An In-Depth Look

How Colin Kaepernick Changed the NFL Forever: An In-Depth...

By Jocelyn Alano June 18, 2024 12:07

credit. Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL quarterback, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the landscape of American football. His actions and stance against police brutality and racial injustice have not only sparked widespread debate but have also triggered a seismic shift in the NFL and the broader sports world. Let's delve into the journey of this enigmatic figure, from his rise to prominence on the field to his pivotal role in reshaping the NFL.

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Who is Colin Kaepernick?

Born November 3, 1987, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Colin Kaepernick would show the athletic excellence that marked American football as his passion at an early age. A second-round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2011, he quickly became one of the NFL's most dynamic young players. Kaepernick played extremely well as his performance ensured the 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons en route to Super Bowl XLVII in February 2012.

The Beginning of a Movement

Fast forward to 2016, and a bomb would be dropped on the NFL, and Kaepernick was the one who dropped it on the NFL. He sat on the bench during the national anthem before NFL games, and later kneeled, in a protest against police violence and racial oppression in the United States. It sparked outrage and debate and, more importantly, united a movement so mighty that it threatened to rewrite the coded language of power, as represented in the boldest of manners in the most staged and contrived of settings in sports: a football field.

The Timeline of Kaepernick's Protest

-August 14, 2016: Kaepernick sat silently during the national anthem before a preseason game.
-He sits on the bench during another preseason game, on Aug. 20, 2016.
-Kaepernick is first noticed sitting on the bench during a preseason game (Aug. 26, 2016).

Impact and Backlash

During it, Kaepernick was both supported and criticized for his protest. Many supported his message, but his actions were scorned by others, including team owners, executives, and even members of the United States government who saw it as disrespectful of the flag and the military. But rather than back down, Kaepernick doubled down, announcing that he would donate $1 million to community groups and organizations working for social justice throughout the country.

Aftermath and Legal Battle

-2017: Kaepernick opts out of his contract with the 49ers and becomes a free agent.
-2017-2019: Not signed by any NFL team, bringing a lawsuit against the NFL for collusion to keep him out of the league because of his protest
-In 2019: Settlement with the NFL and Kaepernick dropped his grievance.

Shifting the NFL Paradigm

Meanwhile, Kaepernick made an indelible mark on the NFL. His protest grew to include more players, as a wave of solidarity in which players began to kneel - or raise a fist - while the national anthem was played. Facing his grievances, the NFL itself was forced to reflect on its actions due to Kaepernick, leading to an episode of continued self-discovery before confessing to systemic racism and an admission they did not listen to the players sooner. The league's position changed and the dialogue around social justice and racial equality in the NFL changed forever.

A Legacy Beyond the Field

Colin Kaepernick's impact goes beyond the football field. For his advocacy, he has received numerous accolades and recognition, including from GQ Magazine and Amnesty International, in honor of his commitment to social justice. Though he remains unsigned to an NFL roster, his legacy is rolling through society.
To sum up, the story of Colin Kaepernick represents the transformation of the NFL, with the shift of a man from a most loved quarterback to an image of a fight against subjection and social activism. His bravery and firm resolve helped spark a movement and shift the paradigm, upending the establishment while forcing thoughtful discussion around race, equality, and social justice in sports. Kaepernick might be out of the league, but his lasting impact as a trailblazer in NFL history is proof of the ripple effect of one man's decision to stand up for what he believes.