Why isn't Colin Kaepernick in the UFL?

By Jason Bolton April 23, 2024 13:52 GMT+4 min read

Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback, has been a prominent figure in both sports and civil rights discussions.

His decision to kneel during the national anthem in protest against racial injustice and police brutality sparked a nationwide debate and had a significant impact on his football career.

Despite his desire to return to professional football, Kaepernick has not found a place in the NFL and has explored opportunities in other leagues, including the XFL and the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Kaepernick's NFL Journey

Initial Anthem Protest

Kaepernick's first protest by sitting during the national anthem was unnoticed. However, his decision to kneel during the anthem before the final exhibition game in September 2016 garnered national attention.

This act of protest was aimed at raising awareness of police brutality and social injustice, leading to a national debate.

End of 49ers Career

Kaepernick's time with the San Francisco 49ers ended after the 2016 season, during which he started 11 games as the team finished 2-14. Following the season, he opted out of his contract.

There were suspicions that he was being blackballed by NFL owners, potentially due to the attention his signing would attract. He has not played professionally since the 49ers’ final game of that season.

Legal Battle with the NFL

In October 2017, Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL, accusing its 32 teams of colluding to keep him out of the league.

This legal battle continued for several years, eventually resulting in a settlement between Kaepernick and the NFL in February 2019. The terms of the settlement remain confidential.

Attempts at a Comeback

In November 2019, Kaepernick had a workout session for NFL teams, but despite displaying his readiness and skills, he received no job offers.

This further fueled the debate about whether he was being denied opportunities due to his activism and public image.

Kaepernick's Pursuit of Opportunities in Other Leagues

XFL Interest

The XFL, partially owned by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, expressed interest in offering Kaepernick an opportunity to play. However, it appears that Kaepernick's camp turned down the offer, possibly considering it a step back in his career.

CFL Consideration

The BC Lions added Kaepernick to their negotiation list, indicating a potential opportunity for Kaepernick to play in the Canadian Football League. However, it seems that Kaepernick has not shown interest in pursuing opportunities in the CFL.

Analysis of Kaepernick's Status

NFL's Reaction to Player Protests

The NFL's reaction to player protests, including Kaepernick's, was met with controversy and raised questions about the league's stance on social activism.

While the NFL provided financial support to players’ community activism endeavors, the issue of Kaepernick remaining unsigned prompted further scrutiny.

Public Image and Activism

Kaepernick's public image and activism have been central to the debate surrounding his football career.

His decision to kneel during the national anthem and his outspokenness on social issues have drawn both support and criticism, impacting his opportunities in professional football.

Legal Settlement and Continued Pursuit

Kaepernick's legal battles with the NFL and his continued pursuit of opportunities in other leagues demonstrate his determination to return to professional football. However, the challenges he has faced in finding a place in the NFL have led him to explore alternative avenues.

The Future for Kaepernick

Remaining in Limbo

As of the latest reports, Kaepernick remains without a team in any professional football league. His pursuit of opportunities outside the NFL indicates a willingness to continue his football career, but the challenges of finding a suitable opportunity persist.

Impact of Activism

Kaepernick's activism and the impact of his public image on his football career have raised questions about the intersection of sports and social issues.

The debate surrounding his status in professional football reflects broader discussions about activism in sports and its implications for athletes.

Ultimately, Colin Kaepernick's absence from the NFL and his pursuit of opportunities in other leagues reflect the complex interplay between sports, activism, and public image.

His journey has sparked national conversations about social justice, civil rights, and the role of athletes in advocating for change.

The reasons for Colin Kaepernick's absence from the UFL and his pursuit of opportunities in other leagues underscore the broader societal and cultural implications of activism in sports, as well as the complexities of navigating professional athletic careers in the context of social advocacy and public image.