Colin Kaepernick#Early life

Kaepernick was born in 1987 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to 19-year-old Heidi Russo, who is a white American.{{cite news|last1=Martenzie|first1=Johnson|title=Colin Kaepernick's parents break silence: 'We absolutely do support him'|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18247113/colin-kaepernick-parents-break-silence-speak-support-criticized-quarterback|access-date=December 27, 2017|work=ESPN.com|date=December 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228000514/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18247113/colin-kaepernick-parents-break-silence-speak-support-criticized-quarterback|archive-date=December 28, 2017}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LkAmAOsi8Y8C |title=Playing with Purpose: Football: Inside the Lives and Faith of the NFL's Most Intriguing Personalities |first=Mike |last=Yorkey |date=August 1, 2013 |publisher=Barbour Publishing |isbn=9781624165115 |via=Google Books |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118224243/https://books.google.com/books?id=LkAmAOsi8Y8C |archive-date=November 18, 2016 }} His birth father, who is a black American (of Ghanaian, Nigerian, and Ivorian ancestry) and whose identity is unknown,{{Cite news |last1=Branch |first1=John |author1-link=John Branch |title=The Awakening of Colin Kaepernick |work=The New York Times |date=September 7, 2017 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/07/sports/colin-kaepernick-nfl-protests.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004025900/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/07/sports/colin-kaepernick-nfl-protests.html |archive-date=2017-10-04 |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=September 11, 2020}}{{cbignore}} separated from Russo before Kaepernick was born.{{Cite news |date=January 31, 2013 |title=Painful Losses Endure For Kaepernicks |work=NPR.com |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=170799434 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130225223849/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=170799434 |archive-date=February 25, 2013}}{{Cite web |last=Daniels |first=Tim |date=August 30, 2018 |title=Rodney Harrison Says Colin Kaepernick Is 'Not Black' Amid 49ers QB's Protest |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2660568-rodney-harrison-says-colin-kaepernick-is-not-black-amid-49ers-qbs-protest |access-date=July 23, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} Russo placed Kaepernick up for adoption and at 5 weeks old he was placed with a white couple named Rick and Teresa Kaepernick.{{Cite web |last=Bulio |first=Henrique |date=November 8, 2022 |title=Who are Colin Kaepernick's adoptive parents Rick and Teresa? New series highlights NFL star's background |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-colin-kaepernick-adoptive-parents-rick-teresa |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=sportskeeda |language=en-us}} The couple had two biological children: son Kyle and daughter Devon. The Kaepernicks decided to adopt a boy after losing two other sons to heart defects.{{Cite news |last=Reilly |first=Rick |date=January 30, 2013 |title=A call Kaepernick should make |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/8897116/colin-kaepernick-birth-mom |url-status=live |access-date=February 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202070650/http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/8897116/colin-kaepernick-birth-mom |archive-date=February 2, 2013}}{{cite news |last=Wise |first=Mike |title=Super Bowl: Colin Kaepernick isn't out of central casting, but he may become new poster boy |date=January 30, 2013 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/super-bowl-colin-kaepernick-isnt-out-of-central-casting-but-he-may-become-new-poster-boy/2013/01/30/ebe1a636-6b38-11e2-af53-7b2b2a7510a8_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060153/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-01-30/sports/36647075_1_colin-kaepernick-social-media-white-couple |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=August 25, 2017 }}{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Aimee |date=September 10, 2018 |title=Colin Kaepernick: A cultural star fast turning into a global icon |work=CNN.com |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/07/sport/colin-kaepernick-protest-taking-the-knee-nate-boyer-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=September 24, 2018}}

Kaepernick lived in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, until age four, when his family moved to California.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/29/sports/ncaafootball/29kaepernick.html |title=Not a Household Name, Not Even in Nevada |first=Adam |last=Himmelbach |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 28, 2010 |access-date=October 4, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828190731/http://www.nytimes.com//2010//08//29//sports//ncaafootball//29kaepernick.html |archive-date=August 28, 2010 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=5644658 |title=Colin Kaepernick more than star QB |first=Andrea |last=Adelson |website=ESPN.com |date=October 4, 2010 |access-date=October 4, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006203915/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5644658 |archive-date=October 6, 2010 }} When he was eight years old, Kaepernick began playing youth football as a defensive end and punter. At age nine, he was the starting quarterback on his youth team, and he completed his first pass for a long touchdown. A 4.0 GPA student{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/29/49ers-colin-kaepernick-tattoo-criticism-sporting-news/1736671 |title=Colin Kaepernick's parents upset at criticism of son's tattoos |first=Robert |last=Klemko |newspaper=USA Today |date=November 30, 2012 |access-date=January 30, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201044046/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/29/49ers-colin-kaepernick-tattoo-criticism-sporting-news/1736671/ |archive-date=February 1, 2013 }} at John H. Pitman High School in Turlock, California, Kaepernick played football, basketball and baseball and was nominated for all-state selection in all three sports his senior year.{{Cite web |title=Kaepernick's years in Turlock will be told in Netflix series |url=https://www.turlockjournal.com/news/local/kaepernicks-years-in-turlock-will-be-told-in-netflix-series/ |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=www.turlockjournal.com}} In his senior year, he was the most valuable player (MVP) of the Central California Conference in football.{{cite news | newspaper=The Modesto Bee | last=Estrada | first=Richard T. | title=Cubs surprise Kaepernick with selection | date=June 12, 2009 |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-modesto-bee-ccmvp2/141598057/ C-4] | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-modesto-bee-ccmvp1/141598470/}}{{cite news | newspaper=The Modesto Bee | date=January 12, 2006 | page=C-4 | last=DeBoard | first=Will | title=Pitman stars will be opponents in college | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-modesto-bee-ccmvp/141600287/}} In basketball, he was a first-team All-CCC selection at forward and led his 16th-ranked team to a near upset of No. 1-ranked Oak Ridge High School in the opening round of the playoffs. In that game, Kaepernick scored 34 points, but future NBA player Ryan Anderson of Oak Ridge scored 50 points to lead his team to a victory.{{cite news |last=Hale |first=Jennifer |title=Ryan Anderson recalls going up against Colin Kaepernick in high school |date=May 4, 2014 |work=FoxSports.com |url=http://www.foxsports.com/southwest/story/ryan-anderson-recalls-going-up-against-colin-kaepernick-in-high-school-030414 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320064440/http://www.foxsports.com/southwest/story/ryan-anderson-recalls-going-up-against-colin-kaepernick-in-high-school-030414 |archive-date=March 20, 2015 |url-status=live }}

Kaepernick received most of his high school accolades as a baseball pitcher.{{Cite web |last=Norris |first=Luke |date=May 30, 2020 |title=Colin Kaepernick Was So Good at Baseball He Was Drafted by the Chicago Cubs Years After He Was an All-State Pitching Prospect |url=https://www.sportscasting.com/colin-kaepernick-was-so-good-at-baseball-he-was-drafted-by-the-chicago-cubs-years-after-he-was-an-all-state-pitching-prospect/ |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Sportscasting |language=en-US}} He received several scholarship offers in that sport, but he wanted to play college football. The University of Nevada, Reno was the only college to offer him a football scholarship, and Kaepernick signed with Nevada in February 2006.

Kaepernick started his college career in 2007 with the Wolf Pack as a back-up quarterback, playing in 11 of the team's 13 games. He finished the season with 19 passing touchdowns, three interceptions and 2,175 passing yards, garnering a 53.8% completion percentage. Kaepernick also added 593 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns as Nevada finished 6–7.{{Cite web |title=Colin Kaepernick 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/colin-kaepernick-1/gamelog/2007 |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2007 Nevada Wolf Pack Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/nevada/2007.html |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

As a sophomore, Kaepernick recorded 2,849 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions, 1,130 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Colin Kaepernick 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/colin-kaepernick-1/gamelog/2008 |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He became just the sixth player in NCAA history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 or more yards in a single season.{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2013 |title=BCS quarterbacks who have passed for 2,000 yards and rushed for 1,000 yards in the same season |url=https://tucson.com/bcs-quarterbacks-who-have-passed-for-2-000-yards-and-rushed-for-1-000-yards/table_5a99c942-8b05-5bdd-a21b-13c75921e4f0.html |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Arizona Daily Star |language=en}} At the Humanitarian Bowl, he had 370 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 15 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown, earning the game's MVP award despite his team losing the game.{{Cite web |title=Humanitarian Bowl - Nevada vs Maryland Box Score, December 30, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-12-30-maryland.html |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} At the conclusion of the game, Kaepernick was designated the WAC Offensive Player of the Year.{{Cite web |title=WAC Offensive Player of the Year Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/wac-opoy.html |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He was the first sophomore to win this award since Marshall Faulk of San Diego State did in 1992.{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Chris |date=October 23, 2020 |title=Colin Kaepernick headlines Nevada's six-person 2020 Hall of Fame class |url=https://nevadasportsnet.com/news/reporters/colin-kaepernick-headlines-nevadas-six-person-2020-hall-of-fame-class |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Nevada Sports Net |language=en}}

In the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, Kaepernick was selected in the 43rd round by the Chicago Cubs.{{Cite web |title=2009 Baseball Draft |url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/draft/baseball-draft.php?yr=2009 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Baseball Almanac}} He decided that he wanted to continue to play football at the University of Nevada and did not sign with the Cubs.{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2012 |title=The story behind the Cubs drafting 49ers quarterback Kaepernick |url=http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-cubs/cubs-talk/The-story-behind-the-Cubs-drafting-49ers?blockID=813073 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20121214154042/http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-cubs/cubs-talk/The-story-behind-the-Cubs-drafting-49ers?blockID=813073 |archive-date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=January 22, 2013 |website=CSN - Chicago}}

Kaepernick finished his junior season with 2,052 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, six interceptions 1,183 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Colin Kaepernick 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/colin-kaepernick-1/gamelog/2009 |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Kaepernick led the Wolf Pack to an 8–5 record and a second-place finish in the WAC behind undefeated Boise State.{{Cite web |title=2009 Western Athletic Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/wac/2009.html |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He was named second-team All-WAC quarterback for the season.

File:Colin Kaepernick 2010.jpg

On November 26, 2010, Kaepernick led his team to a 34–31 overtime victory against the previously undefeated Boise State Broncos, snapping their 24-game win streak that had dated back to the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-26-nevada.html |title=Boise State at Nevada Box Score, November 26, 2010 |website=Sports Reference |access-date=January 18, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120435/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-26-nevada.html |archive-date=January 19, 2018 }} This game was played on Nevada's senior night, the final home game for Kaepernick. Nevada Head Coach Chris Ault would later call this game the "most important win in program history".{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

Kaepernick ended his senior season with 3,022 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, 1,206 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Colin Kaepernick 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/colin-kaepernick-1/gamelog/2010|access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He joined Florida's Tim Tebow as the second quarterback in FBS history to have 20 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns in the same season.{{Cite web |title=2011 NCAA Football Records |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2011/FBS.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107022041/http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2011/FBS.pdf |archive-date=January 7, 2019 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |website=NCAA.org |page=6}} Nevada claimed a share of the WAC title after defeating Louisiana Tech. Kaepernick was named WAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year with Kellen Moore, who had won the award in 2009.{{cite news |last=Cripe |first=Chadd |title=WAC names Moore, Kaepernick Co-Offensive Players of the Year; 11 Broncos make All-WAC first team |date=December 6, 2010 |newspaper=Idaho Statesman |url=http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2010/12/06/ccripe/wac_names_moore_kaepernick_cooffensive_players_year_11_broncos_m |access-date=January 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216064429/http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2010/12/06/ccripe/wac_names_moore_kaepernick_cooffensive_players_year_11_broncos_m |archive-date=February 16, 2013 }}

Kaepernick finished his collegiate career with 10,098 passing yards, 82 passing touchdowns, 24 interceptions, 4,112 rushing yards and 59 rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Colin Kaepernick College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/colin-kaepernick-1.html |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He became the first quarterback in the history of Division I FBS college football to have passed for over 10,000 yards and rushed for over 4,000 yards in a collegiate career, a feat that has not been duplicated.{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Chris |date=February 26, 2021 |title=ESPN ranks Colin Kaepernick among best college quarterbacks this century |url=https://nevadasportsnet.com/news/reporters/espn-ranks-colin-kaepernick-among-best-college-quarterbacks-this-century |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Nevada Sports Net |language=en}} He also tied former Nebraska quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch for most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in FBS history.{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Chris |date=October 23, 2020 |title=Colin Kaepernick headlines Nevada's six-person 2020 Hall of Fame class |url=https://nevadasportsnet.com/news/reporters/colin-kaepernick-headlines-nevadas-six-person-2020-hall-of-fame-class |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Nevada Sports Net |language=en}}

Kaepernick maintained a 4.0 grade point average during his college years and graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in business management.{{Cite web |last=Biderman |first=Chris |date=December 13, 2016 |title=Colin Kaepernick 'explores' idea of grad school |url=https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2016/12/13/colin-kaepernick-explores-idea-of-grad-school/ |website=Niners Wire |publisher=USA Today |location=McLean, VA}} After his senior season, Kaepernick was eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft.

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 4 5/8

| weight = 233

| dash = 4.63

| ten split = 1.63

| twenty split = 2.71

| shuttle = 4.18

| cone drill = 6.85

| vertical = 32.5

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 7

| arm span = 33 1/2

| hand span = 9 1/8

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |title=Colin Kaepernick Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/colin-kaepernick/32004b41-4537-1576-92d1-e71786dbfb90 |access-date=January 11, 2024 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Draft Scout Colin Kaepernick College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=66869&DraftYear=2011 |access-date=January 11, 2024 |website=DraftScout.com}}

}}

{{See also|2011 San Francisco 49ers season}}

On April 29, 2011, the San Francisco 49ers traded up with the Denver Broncos from the thirteenth pick in the second round (45th overall) to select Kaepernick as the fourth pick in the second round (36th overall) at the 2011 NFL draft. The Broncos received picks 45, 108, and 141 overall in exchange for the 36th overall pick.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |title=2011 NFL Draft Listing |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=January 18, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814023237/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |archive-date=August 14, 2017 }}

Kaepernick spent the 2011 season as backup to Alex Smith and attempted just five passes in three games during the season.{{Cite web |title=Colin Kaepernick 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KaepCo00/gamelog/2011/ |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2012 San Francisco 49ers season}}

In 2012, Kaepernick was initially used sparingly to run certain plays. He scored his first career touchdown in the team's fourth game when he scored on a seven-yard run against the New York Jets.{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2012 |title=Kaepernick Draws First Blood with TD in 'Niners Win Over Jets |url=http://www.kolotv.com/sports/headlines/Kaepernick-Draws-First-Blood-with-TD-in-Niners-Win-Over-Jets-172006031.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022013903/http://www.kolotv.com/sports/headlines/Kaepernick-Draws-First-Blood-with-TD-in-Niners-Win-Over-Jets-172006031.html |archive-date=October 22, 2013 |access-date=October 13, 2012 |website=KOLO 8 News Now}}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=September 7, 2012 |title=Packers preparing for 49ers to use Colin Kaepernick in the Wildcat |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/07/packers-preparing-for-49ers-to-use-colin-kaepernick-in-the-wildcat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010130725/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/07/packers-preparing-for-49ers-to-use-colin-kaepernick-in-the-wildcat/ |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}} In Week 10, against the St. Louis Rams, Kaepernick replaced Smith in the second half of the game after he suffered a concussion in the first half. Kaepernick completed eleven of seventeen passes for 117 yards and added 66 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown as the 49ers and the Rams ended the game in a 24–24 tie.{{Cite web |date=November 11, 2012 |title=49ers, Rams play to NFL's first tie in four years |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/11/rams-49ers-24-24-tie/1698481/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904023538/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/11/rams-49ers-24-24-tie/1698481/ |archive-date=September 4, 2016 |access-date=August 30, 2016 |website=USA Today |agency=Associated Press}} He got his first NFL start the next game on November 19, during a Monday Night Football game against the Chicago Bears at Candlestick Park.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2012/11/19/alex-smith-colin-kaepernick-concussion-san-francisco-49ers/1714031/ |title=49ers' Alex Smith out vs. Bears, Colin Kaepernick to start |work=USA Today |access-date=November 20, 2012 |first1=Nate |last1=Davis |date=November 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119224329/http://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2012/11/19/alex-smith-colin-kaepernick-concussion-san-francisco-49ers/1714031/ |archive-date=November 19, 2012 }} Kaepernick completed 16-of-23 for 246 yards with two touchdowns in a 32–7 win against a highly ranked Bears defense.{{cite news |last=Samano |first=Simon |title=Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick? 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh wouldn't say after win over Bears |date=November 20, 2012 |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2012/11/20/49ers-qb-controversy-colin-kaepernick-alex-smith/1716261/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206080056/https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2012/11/20/49ers-qb-controversy-colin-kaepernick-alex-smith/1716261/ |archive-date=December 6, 2017 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 25, 2017 }} A quarterback controversy began. Smith was ranked third in the NFL in passer rating (104.1), led the league in completion percentage (70%), and had been 19–5–1 as a starter under Harbaugh, while Kaepernick was considered more dynamic with his scrambling ability and arm strength.{{cite magazine |last=Dodds |first=Eric |title=Examining the 49ers Quarterback Controversy |date=November 28, 2012 |magazine=Time |url=https://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2012/11/28/examining-the-49ers-quarterback-controversy/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130214948/http://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2012/11/28/examining-the-49ers-quarterback-controversy/ |archive-date=November 30, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=November 28, 2012 }}{{cite news |last=Sando |first=Mike |title=Reaching back for 49ers QB parallels |date=November 27, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/tag/_/name/alex-smith |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031215137/http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/tag/_/name/alex-smith |archive-date=October 31, 2012 |url-status=live }} Smith was cleared to play the day before the following game, but Harbaugh chose not to rush him back and again started Kaepernick. Kaepernick won NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 15 against the New England Patriots. He passed for 221 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in the 41–34 victory.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots - December 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212160nwe.htm |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He remained the starter for the rest of the season and led the 49ers to an 11–4–1 record and a berth in the NFL playoffs.{{cite news |last=Sando |first=Mike |title=Victory trumps QB confusion for 49ers |date=November 26, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/82689/victory-trumps-qb-confusion-for-49ers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126134925/http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/82689/victory-trumps-qb-confusion-for-49ers |archive-date=November 26, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=November 26, 2012 }}{{cite news |last=Klemko |first=Robert |title=Kaepernick doesn't disappoint as 49ers defeat Saints |date=November 26, 2012 |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/25/san-francisco-49ers-colin-kaepernick-new-orleans-saints/1726119/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825230422/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/25/san-francisco-49ers-colin-kaepernick-new-orleans-saints/1726119/ |archive-date=August 25, 2017 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 25, 2017 }}{{cite news |title=Colin Kaepernick to start for 49ers |date=November 28, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8687095/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-start-qb-st-louis-rams |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201005506/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8687095/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-start-qb-st-louis-rams |archive-date=December 1, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=November 28, 2012 }}{{cite news |last=McEvoy |first=Colin |title=The Ultimate Sibling Rivalry: 8 Sets of Brothers Who Faced Off in Sports Championships |work=Biography |date=February 9, 2023 |url=https://www.biography.com/athletes/a42805051/brothers-who-have-faced-off-in-championships |accessdate=February 12, 2023}}

File:Colin Kaepernick in Super Bowl XLVII.jpg]]

In his first career postseason start, against the Green Bay Packers, Kaepernick had 263 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, one interception and 181 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns as the 49ers defeated the Packers 45–31. With his performance, he set an NFL single-game record for most rushing yards by a quarterback with 181, breaking Michael Vick's record of 173 in a 2002 regular season game. He also broke the 49ers postseason rushing record, regardless of position and joined Jay Cutler and Otto Graham in both as the only players in NFL history to run for two touchdowns and pass for two others in a playoff game.{{cite news |last=Inman |first=Cam |title=Putting Kaepernick's rushing performance in franchise, league perspective |date=January 12, 2013 |newspaper=San Jose Mercury News |url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2013/01/12/putting-kaepernicks-rushing-performance-in-franchise-league-perspective/ |access-date=January 14, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327100203/http://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2013/01/12/putting-kaepernicks-rushing-performance-in-franchise-league-perspective/ |archive-date=March 27, 2014 }}{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2013 |title=Colin Kaepernick sets QB rushing mark as Niners oust Packers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=330112025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113132938/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=330112025 |archive-date=January 13, 2013 |access-date=January 14, 2013 |website=ESPN.com}} In the NFC Championship, the 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 28–24 with Kaepernick completing 16-of-21 passes for 233 yards and one touchdown.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301200atl.htm |title=NFC Championship - San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons - January 20th, 2013 |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=January 18, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814021122/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301200atl.htm |archive-date=August 14, 2017 }} The team advanced to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans against the Baltimore Ravens. Kaepernick threw for 302 yards, one passing touchdown, and ran for a touchdown, but the 49ers fell behind early and could not come back, losing by a score of 34–31.{{Cite web |date=February 4, 2013 |title=Ravens overcome power outage, survive rally to win Super Bowl |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=330203025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911163357/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=330203025 |archive-date=September 11, 2016 |access-date=August 30, 2016 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} He was ranked 81st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2013-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2013 San Francisco 49ers season}}

In the season opener of the 2013 season against the Green Bay Packers, Kaepernick threw for a career-high 412 yards and three touchdowns, the first 400-yard game by a 49ers quarterback since Tim Rattay on October 10, 2004.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309080sfo.htm |title=Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers - September 8th, 2013 |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=January 18, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829080800/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309080sfo.htm |archive-date=August 29, 2017 }}{{Cite web |last=Barber |first=Phil |date=September 9, 2013 |title=Colin Kaepernick leads 49ers past Packers 34-28 |url=https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/colin-kaepernick-leads-49ers-past-packers-34-28/ |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Santa Rosa Press Democrat |language=en-US}} Kaepernick ended the season with 3,197 yards passing, 21 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, 524 yards rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns and led the 49ers to a 12–4 record and a berth in the NFL playoffs.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2013.htm |title=2013 San Francisco 49ers Statistics & Players |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |access-date=June 28, 2019}}

In the Wild Card Round, the 49ers played the Green Bay Packers. Kaepernick had 227 passing yards, one passing touchdown, one interception and added 98 rushing yards as the 49ers beat the Packers 23–20. In the Divisional Round, against the Carolina Panthers, Kaepernick had 196 passing yards, one passing touchdown, 15 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown as the 49ers beat the Panthers 23–10. In the NFC Championship Game, against eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, Kaepernick had 153 passing yards, one passing touchdown, two interceptions and rushed for 130 yards as the 49ers lost to the Seahawks 23–17, ending the 49ers' season and attempt to return to the Super Bowl.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201401190sea.htm |title=NFC Championship - San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks - January 19th, 2014 |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804014329/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201401190sea.htm |archive-date=August 4, 2017 }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KaepCo00/gamelog/2013/ |title=Colin Kaepernick 2013 Game Log |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202052542/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KaepCo00/gamelog/2013/ |archive-date=December 2, 2017 }} He was ranked 81st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2014-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{See also|2014 San Francisco 49ers season}}

On June 4, Kaepernick signed a six-year contract extension with the 49ers, worth up to $126 million, including $54 million in potential guarantees, and $13 million fully guaranteed.{{Cite web |title=Colin Kaepernick Salary cap and Contract page |url=http://www.overthecap.com/cap.php?Name=Colin%20Kaepernick&Position=QB&Team=49ers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701032620/http://overthecap.com/cap.php?Name=Colin%20Kaepernick&Position=QB&Team=49ers |archive-date=July 1, 2014 |access-date=August 5, 2014 |website=Over the Cap}}

On September 17, Kaepernick was fined by the NFL for using inappropriate language on the field.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11543779/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-says-appeal-fine-inappropriate-language |title=Colin Kaepernick fined $11K by NFL |first=Paul |last=Gutierrez |author-link=Paul Gutierrez |website=ESPN.com |date=September 17, 2014 |access-date=October 1, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920020034/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11543779/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-says-appeal-fine-inappropriate-language |archive-date=September 20, 2014 }} On October 9, he was fined $10,000 by the NFL for appearing at a post-game press conference wearing headphones from Beats by Dre, while the league's headphone sponsor was Bose.{{cite news |url=http://www.sacbee.com/2014/10/09/6772578/colin-kaepernicks-fine-cancelling.html |title=Colin Kaepernick's fine-canceling headphones |first=Matt |last=Barrows |newspaper=The Sacramento Bee |date=October 9, 2014 |access-date=October 9, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011125203/http://www.sacbee.com/2014/10/09/6772578/colin-kaepernicks-fine-cancelling.html |archive-date=October 11, 2014 }} In a game against the San Diego Chargers, he ran for a 90-yard touchdown.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412200sfo.htm |title=San Diego Chargers at San Francisco 49ers - December 20th, 2014 |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=January 18, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107002619/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412200sfo.htm |archive-date=November 7, 2017 }} The 49ers finished the season 8–8 and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2014.htm |title=2014 San Francisco 49ers Statistics & Players |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=January 18, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120520/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2014.htm |archive-date=January 19, 2018 }} Kaepernick threw for 3,369 yards with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He rushed for 639 yards and one touchdown.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KaepCo00/gamelog/2014 |title=Colin Kaepernick 2014 Game Log |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=January 18, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119121718/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KaepCo00/gamelog/2014 |archive-date=January 19, 2018 }} Following the season, head coach Jim Harbaugh left to coach the University of Michigan.{{Cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Michael |date=December 30, 2014 |title=Jim Harbaugh explains his decision to return to Michigan |url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2014/12/30/jim-harbaugh-michigan-wolverines-head-coach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120119/https://www.si.com/college-football/2014/12/30/jim-harbaugh-michigan-wolverines-head-coach |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |access-date=January 18, 2018 |website=SI.com}}

{{See also|2015 San Francisco 49ers season}}

In 2015, Kaepernick struggled under new head coach Jim Tomsula. A day after a 27–6 collapse at St. Louis in Week 8, Kaepernick lost his starting job to backup Blaine Gabbert for Week 9 against Atlanta.{{cite web |work=NFL.com |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-bench-colin-kaepernick-blaine-gabbert-to-start-0ap3000000572076 |title=Niners bench Colin Kaepernick; Blaine Gabbert to start |first=Chris |last=Wesseling |date=November 2, 2015 |access-date=January 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101121451/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000572076/article/niners-bench-colin-kaepernick-blaine-gabbert-to-start |archive-date=January 1, 2016 }} With Gabbert starting as their new quarterback, the 49ers narrowly won 17–16.{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers - November 8th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511080sfo.htm |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On November 21, the 49ers announced that Kaepernick would miss the rest of the season because of an injured left shoulder that required surgery.{{cite web |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/49ers/ci_29148774/49ers-colin-kaepernick-out-season-shoulder-injury |title=49ers' Colin Kaepernick done for season because of shoulder injury |first=Cam |last=Inman |date=November 21, 2015 |work=San Jose Mercury News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122212708/http://www.mercurynews.com/49ers/ci_29148774/49ers-colin-kaepernick-out-season-shoulder-injury |archive-date=November 22, 2015 }} He ended the season with 1,615 yards passing, six passing touchdowns, five interceptions and 256 rushing yards with one rushing touchdown in nine games.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KaepCo00/gamelog/2015/ |title=Colin Kaepernick 2015 Game Log |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=December 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208122338/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KaepCo00/gamelog/2015/ |archive-date=December 8, 2017 }}

Head coach Tomsula was fired following the season and the 49ers hired Chip Kelly as his replacement.{{Cite web |last=Brinson |first=Will |date=January 14, 2016 |title=49ers hire Chip Kelly as next head coach: 5 things to know |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/49ers-hire-chip-kelly-as-next-head-coach-5-things-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919090304/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/49ers-hire-chip-kelly-as-next-head-coach-5-things-to-know/ |archive-date=September 19, 2016 |access-date=August 30, 2016 |website=CBSSports.com}} In February 2016, Kaepernick expressed an interest in being traded.{{cite web |url=http://www.ninersnation.com/2016/2/26/11118806/colin-kaepernick-trade-rumors-49ers-chip-kelly |title=Kaepernick's request doesn't mean he won't stay |last=Brady |first=James |date=February 26, 2016 |website=Niners Nation |access-date=August 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919202704/http://www.ninersnation.com/2016/2/26/11118806/colin-kaepernick-trade-rumors-49ers-chip-kelly |archive-date=September 19, 2016 }}

{{See also|2016 San Francisco 49ers season}}

Kaepernick was coming off three surgeries entering the 2016 season, needing operations on his thumb and knee in addition to the season-ending shoulder procedure.{{cite news|last=Nocera|first=Joe|author-link=Joe Nocera|title=Is It a Risk for the 49ers to Start Colin Kaepernick? Not for Them.|date=October 14, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/15/sports/football/49ers-to-start-colin-kaepernick-contract-injuries.html|access-date=November 15, 2019}} After having lost weight and muscle mass because of the injuries,{{cite news |last=Boren |first=Cindy |title=Colin Kaepernick's future might have more to do with football than free speech |date=August 29, 2016 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/08/29/colin-kaepernicks-future-might-have-more-to-do-with-football-than-free-speech/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115123851/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/08/29/colin-kaepernicks-future-might-have-more-to-do-with-football-than-free-speech/?outputType=amp |archive-date=2019-11-15 |access-date=September 17, 2023}}{{cbignore}} he competed for the starting quarterback position with Gabbert.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/san-francisco-49ers/post/_/id/18885/hard-to-see-how-colin-kaepernick-can-overtake-blaine-gabbert-now |title=Hard to see how Colin Kaepernick can overtake Blaine Gabbert now |last=Wagoner |first=Nick |date=August 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829090543/http://www.espn.com/blog/san-francisco-49ers/post/_/id/18885/hard-to-see-how-colin-kaepernick-can-overtake-blaine-gabbert-now |archive-date=August 29, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=August 30, 2016}} Kelly named Gabbert as the starter to open the season.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=September 3, 2016 |title=Kaepernick makes roster; Gabbert named starting QB |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/kaepernick-makes-roster-gabbert-named-starting-qb-0ap3000000695093 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907001244/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000695093/article/colin-kaepernick-makes-niners-53man-roster |archive-date=September 7, 2016 |access-date=September 8, 2016 |website=NFL.com}}

Prior to the 49ers Week 6 game against the Buffalo Bills, Kelly announced Kaepernick would start, marking his first start of the season. On October 13, it was announced that he and the 49ers restructured his contract, turning it into a two-year deal with a player option for the next season.{{Cite web |last1=Schefter |first1=Adam |author1-link=Adam Schefter|last2=Caplan |first2=Adam |date=October 12, 2016 |title=Sources: Colin Kaepernick can choose to be free agent after year |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17781311/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-agree-restructure-deal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014103632/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17781311/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-agree-restructure-deal |archive-date=October 14, 2016 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} He completed 13-of-29 passes, with 187 passing yards, one passing touchdown and 66 rushing yards in the 49ers 45–16 loss to the Buffalo Bills.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400874698 |title=49ers vs. Bills - Box Score - October 16, 2016 - ESPN |website=ESPN.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017014134/http://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400874698 |archive-date=October 17, 2016 }} On November 27, he recorded 296 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and 113 yards rushing in the 49ers' 31–24 loss to the Miami Dolphins.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611270mia.htm |title=San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins - November 27th, 2016 |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=January 18, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120517/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611270mia.htm |archive-date=January 19, 2018 }} He joined Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Randall Cunningham, and Marcus Mariota as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to record at least three passing touchdowns and 100 yards rushing in a game. In a Week 13 loss to the Chicago Bears, Kaepernick threw a career-low four yards before getting benched for Gabbert.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201612040chi.htm |title=San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears - December 4th, 2016 |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=January 18, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120423/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201612040chi.htm |archive-date=January 19, 2018 }} He returned to the starting lineup the following week and threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns in the 49ers' 41–13 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201612180atl.htm |title=San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons - December 18th, 2016 |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=January 18, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119121716/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201612180atl.htm |archive-date=January 19, 2018 }} On December 24, Kaepernick recorded 281 total yards, two passing touchdowns, one interception, one rushing touchdown, and a two-point conversion on the game-winning drive as the 49ers beat the Los Angeles Rams 22–21 to get their first victory on the season with Kaepernick as the starter.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400874575 |title=49ers vs. Rams - Box Score - December 24, 2016 - ESPN |website=ESPN.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225064826/http://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400874575 |archive-date=December 25, 2016 }} For the 2016 NFL season, Kaepernick played twelve games and ended the season with 2,241 passing yards, sixteen passing touchdowns, four interceptions and added 468 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Colin Kaepernick 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KaepCo00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{cite web|title=Baltimore Ravens could sign QB Colin Kaepernick |url=http://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/12118/10964890/baltimore-ravens-could-sign-qb-colin-kaepernick |website=Sky Sports |date=August 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814022128/http://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/12118/10964890/baltimore-ravens-could-sign-qb-colin-kaepernick |archive-date=August 14, 2017 }}

During the offseason, San Francisco hired Kyle Shanahan from Atlanta to be their new coach.{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Zac |date=February 7, 2017 |title=49ers officially hire Kyle Shanahan |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/02/06/49ers-officially-hire-kyle-shanahan/ |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}} He planned to run the same offense which he ran the previous year with the Falcons, and did not believe that Kaepernick fit the scheme.{{cite news|last=Brinson|first=Will|title=The 49ers would've cut Colin Kaepernick if he hadn't opted out of his contract|date=May 31, 2017|website=CBSSports.com|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/the-49ers-wouldve-cut-colin-kaepernick-if-he-hadnt-opted-out-of-his-contract/|access-date=November 15, 2019}} The 49ers told Kaepernick that they planned to release him. On March 3, 2017, he opted out of his contract and became a free agent at the start of the 2017 league year on March 9.{{Cite web |url=http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/Colin-Kaepernick-Opts-Out-of-Contract-Becomes-a-Free-Agent/55f3952d-1f83-4682-bf97-3c423ab26fa8 |title=Colin Kaepernick Opts Out of Contract, Becomes a Free Agent |last=Fann |first=Joe |date=March 3, 2017 |website=49ers.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317133422/http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/Colin-Kaepernick-Opts-Out-of-Contract-Becomes-a-Free-Agent/55f3952d-1f83-4682-bf97-3c423ab26fa8 |archive-date=March 17, 2017 |url-status=live}}

Following his departure from the 49ers in 2016, Kaepernick went unsigned through the off-season and 2017 training camps, leading to allegations that he was being blackballed because of his on-field political statements as opposed to his performance.{{Cite web |last=Levin |first=Josh |author-link=Josh Levin |date=August 18, 2017 |title=The NFL's Billionaire Owners Are Too Late to Stop Colin Kaepernick |url=https://slate.com/sports/2017/08/colin-kaepernicks-protest-cost-him-his-job-but-started-a-movement.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820060447/https://slate.com/sports/2017/08/colin-kaepernicks-protest-cost-him-his-job-but-started-a-movement.html |archive-date=August 20, 2017 |access-date=August 20, 2017 |website=Slate Magazine}}{{Cite news |last=Blackistone |first=Kevin B. |author-link=Kevin Blackistone |date=March 23, 2017 |title=The NFL has effectively blackballed Colin Kaepernick; "What Kaepernick dared to do was spit in the NFL's eye" |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2017/03/24/colin-kaepernick-blackballed-nfl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821043647/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/ct-nfl-has-blackballed-colin-kaepernick-20170323-story.html |archive-date=August 21, 2017 |access-date=August 20, 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post |via=The Denver Post}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/nfls-war-colin-kaepernick/ |title=The NFL's War Against Colin Kaepernick |last=Zirin |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Zirin |magazine=The Nation |access-date=August 20, 2017 |issn=0027-8378 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821010307/https://www.thenation.com/article/nfls-war-colin-kaepernick/ |archive-date=August 21, 2017 }}{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=September 17, 2017 |title=Tom Brady on Colin Kaepernick: 'I hope he gets a shot' |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4805833/tom-brady-on-colin-kaepernick-i-hope-he-gets-a-shot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927052456/http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4805833/tom-brady-on-colin-kaepernick-i-hope-he-gets-a-shot |archive-date=September 27, 2017 |access-date=September 26, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}}{{cite news |url=http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/22/trump-nfl-protests-football-243046 |quote=In March, Trump claimed during a rally in Kentucky that Kaepernick's inability to find a new team was due to fear that president would unleash a tweet and therefore a PR crisis on whatever team that signed the Super Bowl XLVII participant. |title=Trump sparks war with NFL – and LeBron |publisher=Politico |first1=Brent D. |last1=Griffiths |first2=Henry C. |last2=Jackson |date=September 22, 2017 |access-date=September 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924054619/http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/22/trump-nfl-protests-football-243046 |archive-date=September 24, 2017 }}{{Cite news |last=Watkins |first=Eli |date=March 21, 2017 |title=Trump credits his Twitter wrath for Kaepernick's unemployment |publisher=CNN.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/20/politics/donald-trump-colin-kaepernick/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924045901/http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/20/politics/donald-trump-colin-kaepernick/index.html |archive-date=September 24, 2017 |quote="It was reported that NFL owners don't want to pick him up because they don't want to get a nasty tweet from Donald Trump," he said. "Do you believe that? I just saw that. I just saw that."}} The Seattle Seahawks brought Kaepernick in for a visit in May 2017, but did not work him out or offer a contract. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said, "He's a starter in this league. And we have a starter. But he's a starter in this league, and I can't imagine that someone won't give him a chance to play."{{cite news |author=Kapadia, Sheil |title=Pete Carroll on Colin Kaepernick: Not doing anything yet, but 'he's a starter in this league' |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/19523162/pete-carroll-says-seattle-seahawks-not-signing-colin-kaepernick |website=ESPN.com |date=June 2, 2017 |access-date=November 14, 2019}} The Baltimore Ravens considered signing Kaepernick as a backup to starting quarterback Joe Flacco before the 2017 season. According to former Raven Ray Lewis, the team did not go through with this after Kaepernick's girlfriend made comparisons of Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti to a slave owner, and Lewis his slave, in a tweet;{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2017 |title=Ray Lewis claims Ravens didn't sign Colin Kaepernick after girlfriend's tweet |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/baltimore-ravens/ray-lewis-claims-ravens-didnt-sign-colin-kaepernick-after-girlfriends-tweet |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=RSN}}{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2017 |title=Ray Lewis: Ravens shunned Kaepernick due to 'racist' tweet from girlfriend |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/sep/06/colin-kaepernick-ray-lewis-baltimore-ravens-nessa-diab-nfl |access-date=March 3, 2023 |newspaper=The Guardian}} Bisciotti reportedly believed the signing would result in heavy backlash and criticism from the general public,{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Jaime C. |date=August 3, 2017 |title=Colin Kaepernick feels the force of conservative NFL fan base |url=http://amsterdamnews.com/news/2017/aug/03/colin-kaepernick-feels-force-conservative-nfl-fan-/ |access-date=April 25, 2019 |website=Amsterdam News}} a claim that was refuted by the team.{{cite news |author=Lee, Edward |title=Ravens deny ESPN report claiming Bisciotti has put up 'resistance' to signing Kaepernick |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-ravens-contradict-espn-report-on-colin-kaepernick-20170802-story.html |website=BaltimoreSun.com |date=August 2, 2017 |access-date=November 14, 2019}} By August 2017, the statistics website FiveThirtyEight concluded that "it's obvious Kaepernick is being frozen out for his political opinions", calling it "extraordinary... that a player like him can't find a team", based on the observation that "no above-average quarterback has been unemployed nearly as long as Kaepernick this offseason".{{Cite news|url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/colin-kaepernick-is-not-supposed-to-be-unemployed/|title=Colin Kaepernick Is Not Supposed To Be Unemployed|last=Wagner|first=Kyle|date=August 9, 2017|work=FiveThirtyEight|access-date=June 6, 2020|language=en-US}}

The Seahawks set up another visit and workout with him in April 2018, but the team postponed it indefinitely after he would not say whether he would continue his national anthem protest or not.{{cite news |author=Schefter, Adam |author-link=Adam Schefter |title=Seahawks postpone visit after Colin Kaepernick won't say if he'll stop kneeling during anthem |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23135580/seattle-seahawks-postpone-visit-colin-kaepernick-say-stop-kneeling-anthem |website=ESPN.com |date=April 12, 2018 |access-date=November 14, 2019}}

In October 2017, Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL, accusing league owners of collusion to keep him out of the league.{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2017 |title=QB Colin Kaepernick files grievance for collusion against NFL owners |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/qb-colin-kaepernick-files-grievance-collusion-nfl-owners/story?id=50499785 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106114146/https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/qb-colin-kaepernick-files-grievance-collusion-nfl-owners/story?id=50499785 |archive-date=November 6, 2017 |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=ABC News |via=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} The NFL requested to dismiss the case but was denied by an arbitrator which meant the case would go to trial.{{Cite news |url=https://twitter.com/markgeragos/status/1035261764139511808 |title=Mark Geragos on Twitter |work=Twitter |access-date=August 31, 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/45364168 |title=Colin Kaepernick's collusion case against NFL team owners can go to trial |date=August 30, 2018 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=August 31, 2018}} On February 15, 2019, it was announced that Kaepernick reached a confidential settlement with the NFL and withdrew the grievance. In a related case, Eric Reid, who was the first to join Kaepernick in kneeling when they were 49ers teammates, also settled with the league.{{cite news|last1=Draper|first1=Kevin|last2=Belson|first2=Ken|title=Colin Kaepernick and the N.F.L. Settle Collusion Case|date=February 15, 2019|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/15/sports/nfl-colin-kaepernick.html|access-date=February 16, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-colin-kaepernick-withdraws-collusion-case-nfl-190149703.html|title=NFL reaches financial settlement with Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid|website=Yahoo! Sports|publisher=Yahoo!|author=Robinson, Charles |date=February 16, 2019|access-date=February 16, 2019}} Reid had been unsigned for a stretch before joining the Carolina Panthers.

Before November 2019, Kaepernick had not had an NFL tryout since becoming a free agent.{{cite news|last=Belson|first=Ken|title=Colin Kaepernick Has Not Been Told Who Will Attend His Workout|date=November 13, 2019|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/13/sports/football/colin-kaepernick-workout.html|access-date=November 14, 2019}} He continued working out five days a week,{{cite news|title=Kaepernick's reps address 'false narratives'|date=October 11, 2019|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-football-nfl-kaepernick/kaepernicks-reps-address-false-narratives-idUSKBN1WQ00Z|access-date=November 15, 2019}} and stated publicly and privately that he wished to continue playing.{{cite news|last=Rosenberg|first=Mike|title=NFL's Workout Request Puts Colin Kaepernick Between a Rock and a Hard Place|date=November 13, 2019|website=SI.com|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/11/13/colin-kaepernick-nfl-private-workout|access-date=November 14, 2019}}

On November 12, 2019, the NFL set up a workout for him in Atlanta on Saturday, November 16. All 32 NFL teams were invited to attend the private session, which was to be closed to the media. It was to include an on-field workout and an interview, with videos of both to be sent to teams afterward.{{cite news |last=Schefter|first=Adam |author-link=Adam Schefter |title=Teams invited to Colin Kaepernick workout Saturday |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28067012/teams-invited-colin-kaepernick-workout-saturday |website=ESPN.com |date=November 12, 2019 |access-date=November 12, 2019}} Aside from its scouting combine, the league rarely organizes workouts for all of its teams.{{cite news |last1=Shipgel |first1=Ben |last2=Belson |first2=Ken |title=N.F.L. Invites Teams to Watch Colin Kaepernick Work Out on Saturday |date=November 12, 2019 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/12/sports/football/colin-kaepernick-nfl-workout.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113120442/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/12/sports/football/colin-kaepernick-nfl-workout.html?emc=rss&partner=rss |archive-date=November 13, 2019 |access-date=November 14, 2019}}{{cbignore}} Typically, NFL teams schedule workouts for Tuesdays, when head coaches and general managers can more readily attend. On Saturdays, teams are preparing for games the next day and traveling to away games. On November 16, about 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the workout, Kaepernick nixed the plans over concerns about the workout not being public and issues with the liability waiver the NFL asked him to sign. He instead moved to an Atlanta-area high school, where he held a public throwing session attended by scouts from seven NFL teams.{{cite news|last=Slater|first=Jim|title=Kaepernick ditches private NFL workout for public session|date=November 17, 2019|website=Yahoo.com|agency=AFP|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/kaepernick-ditches-nfl-workout-holds-own-public-session-235230515--nfl.html|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=November 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117045313/https://sports.yahoo.com/kaepernick-ditches-nfl-workout-holds-own-public-session-235230515--nfl.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last=Bryant |first=Howard |author-link=Howard Bryant |title=Why Colin Kaepernick and the NFL were never going to work out |date=November 26, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28139355/why-colin-kaepernick-nfl-were-never-going-work-out |access-date=November 28, 2019}}

In an opinion piece published by The New York Times on November 22, 2019, Ta-Nehisi Coates said Kaepernick is "not fighting for a job" but that he is "fighting against cancellation".{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/22/opinion/colin-kaepernick-nfl.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213203413/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/22/opinion/colin-kaepernick-nfl.html |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |title=Opinion: Ta-Nehisi Coates: The Cancellation of Colin Kaepernick |last=Coates |first=Ta-Nehisi |author-link=Ta-Nehisi Coates |date=November 22, 2019 |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 2, 2023 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}

In February 2019, it was reported that Kaepernick spoke with the Alliance of American Football and XFL about becoming a quarterback for them but wanted a guaranteed $20,000,000 per season.{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Michael |date=February 26, 2019 |title=SN exclusive: XFL confirms talks with Colin Kaepernick |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/sn-exclusive-xfl-confirms-talks-with-colin-kaepernick/mvruvuo7qyz16md25rz4kjze |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Sporting News}} XFL quarterbacks were paid $250,000 per season while AAF quarterbacks were signed to an unguaranteed $250,000 over three seasons.{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |author-link=Darren Rovell |date=July 12, 2018 |title=AAF players to get 3-year, $250K contracts |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24076702/alliance-american-football-players-get-3-year-250k-contracts |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}

In June 2020, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said that he regretted not signing Kaepernick in 2017; however for the 2020 season, he would not be signing him and was happy with Geno Smith as the team's backup quarterback.{{Cite web |last=Fann |first=Joe |date=June 11, 2020 |title=Why the Seahawks passed on Colin Kaepernick in 2017 and won't sign him now |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/seattle-seahawks/why-seahawks-passed-colin-kaepernick-2017-and-wont-sign-him-now |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630230552/https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/seattle-seahawks/why-seahawks-passed-colin-kaepernick-2017-and-wont-sign-him-now |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2023 |website=NBC Sports}}{{cbignore}} Carroll indicated "someone is interested" in Kaepernick and that a team contacted him about Kaepernick to get some insight on him and Carroll said that it is the first time any team has contacted him since his 2017 meeting with Kaepernick.{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=June 11, 2020 |title=Carroll: 'Interested' team called asking about Colin Kaepernick |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/carroll-interested-team-called-asking-about-colin-kaepernick |access-date=June 14, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}

Kaepernick worked out for the Las Vegas Raiders in May 2022.{{cite news |title=Colin Kaepernick has 'positive' workout with Raiders, no deal in place|date=May 27, 2022 |work=Fox Sports |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/colin-kaepernick-has-positive-workout-with-raiders-no-deal-in-place|access-date=September 28, 2022}}

In August 2024, Harbaugh, in his first year as the Los Angeles Chargers' head coach, revealed he had reached out to Kaepernick months prior to offer him a coaching job on the team, but he declined. As the Chargers staff was already complete for 2024, he would have to join at the start of the 2025 season should he change his mind.{{cite web | last=Dajani | first=Jordan | title=Chargers' Jim Harbaugh provides clarity on Colin Kaepernick joining coaching staff, says staff is set for 2024 | website=CBSSports.com | date=2024-08-14 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/chargers-jim-harbaugh-provides-clarity-on-colin-kaepernick-joining-coaching-staff-says-staff-is-set-for-2024/ | access-date=2024-09-21}}

{{Further|U.S. national anthem protests (2016–present)}}

Leading up to the 2016 season, Kaepernick was active in July on social media with social commentary on the fatal police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, the police shooting of Charles Kinsey and the acquittal of police in the death of Freddie Gray. In the 49ers third preseason game of the season, reporter Steve Wyche noticed Kaepernick sitting down during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner",{{cite news|first=Rhiannon|last=Walker|title=One Year Later, Steve Wyche Reflects On Breaking The Colin Kaepernick Story|date=August 28, 2017|work=Andscape|url=https://andscape.com/features/one-year-later-steve-wyche-colin-kaepernick-story/|access-date=September 11, 2020}} as opposed to the tradition of standing.{{cite news |first=Mathilda |last=Mallinson |title=Why are people taking the knee? The history behind the powerful symbolic gesture |date=June 18, 2020| newspaper=Evening Standard |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/taking-knee-history-black-lives-matter-a4458816.html |access-date=September 11, 2020}} During a post-game interview, Kaepernick explained his position stating, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder", referencing a series of African-American deaths caused by law enforcement that led to the Black Lives Matter movement and adding that he would continue to protest until he feels like "[the American flag] represents what it's supposed to represent".{{Cite web |last=Fucillo |first=David |date=August 27, 2016 |title=NFL issues statement on Colin Kaepernick not standing during National Anthem |url=http://www.ninersnation.com/2016/8/27/12672566/nfl-statement-colin-kaepernick-national-anthem |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902235214/http://www.ninersnation.com/2016/8/27/12672566/nfl-statement-colin-kaepernick-national-anthem |archive-date=September 2, 2016 |access-date=September 8, 2016 |website=Niners Nation}} It had gone largely unnoticed that Kaepernick was also sitting during the anthem in the previous two weeks, when he was inactive and not in uniform while recovering from injuries.{{cite news|first=Daniel|last=Holloway|title=Colin Kaepernick's Anthem Protest Set to Draw Attention From NFL Broadcasters|date=August 30, 2016|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/colin-kaepernik-anthem-protest-nfl-broadcasters-1201847048/|access-date=September 11, 2020}}

In the 49ers' fourth and final preseason game, Kaepernick kneeled during the U.S. national anthem to show more respect to former and current U.S. military members while still protesting during the anthem after having a conversation with former NFL player and U.S. military veteran Nate Boyer.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/02/sports/football/colin-kaepernick-kneels-national-anthem-protest.html |title=This Time, Colin Kaepernick Takes a Stand by Kneeling |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 1, 2016 |access-date=March 9, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329033230/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/02/sports/football/colin-kaepernick-kneels-national-anthem-protest.html |archive-date=March 29, 2017 |last1=Witz |first1=Billy }} Kaepernick grew more involved in social justice issues.{{cite news|first=Jackson|last=Walker|title=Colin Kaepernick celebrated as 'activist' during WNBA playoff game|date=October 3, 2024|work=CBS Austin|url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/nation-world/colin-kaepernick-celebrated-as-activist-during-wnba-playoff-game-nfl-quarterback-football-san-francisco-49ers-las-vegas-aces-new-york-liberty-know-your-rights-camp|access-date=January 29, 2025}}{{cite news|first=Juan Carlos|last=Guerrero|title=TIMELINE: Colin Kaepernick's journey from San Francisco 49ers star to kneeling to protest racial injustice|date=January 29, 2025|work=ABC 7 News|url=https://abc7news.com/colin-kaepernick-kneeling-when-did-first-kneel-date-what-does-do-now/4147237/|access-date=January 29, 2025}} After the September 2016 police shootings of Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott,{{Cite web |last=Maxwell |first=Francis |date=September 21, 2016 |title=Silence From Kaepernick Critics Speaks Volumes |url=https://huffingtonpost.com/entry/57e2f47fe4b05d3737be53de |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923064107/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/57e2f47fe4b05d3737be53de |archive-date=September 23, 2016 |access-date=September 21, 2016 |website=The Huffington Post}} he commented publicly on the shootings saying, "this is a perfect example of what this is about".{{Cite web |date=September 22, 2016 |title=US: Colin Kaepernick says he has received death threats |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/nfl-kaepernick-received-death-threats-160921152934415.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922124538/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/nfl-kaepernick-received-death-threats-160921152934415.html |archive-date=September 22, 2016 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Al Jazeera}} Photos then surfaced of him wearing socks depicting police officers as pigs.{{Cite web |last=Breech |first=John |date=August 31, 2016 |title=Colin Kaepernick's practice socks appear to disrespect the police |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/look-colin-kaepernicks-practice-socks-appear-to-disrespect-the-police/ |access-date=September 1, 2016 |website=CBSSports.com}}{{cite web |last1=Emery |first1=David |author-link=David Emery (sports journalist) |title=Colin Kaepernick Wore Socks Depicting Police as Pigs |url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/colin-kaepernick-socks/ |website=Snopes:Sports |date=September 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2016}} In a statement, Kaepernick acknowledged wearing them as a statement against "rogue cops". He maintained that he has friends/family in law enforcement and that there are cops with "good intentions" who protect and serve and he was not targeting all police.{{Cite web |last=Brinson |first=Will |date=September 1, 2016 |title=Colin Kaepernick explains why he wore socks with police pigs on them: He was making a statement |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/colin-kaepernick-explains-why-he-wore-socks-with-police-pigs-on-them/ |access-date=September 1, 2016 |website=CBS Sports}} Kaepernick went on to kneel during the anthem prior to every 49ers game that season.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

After initial backlash against his protests, Kaepernick pledged to donate $1 million to "organizations working in oppressed communities".{{cite news|last=Peter|first=Josh|title=Colin Kaepernick: I'm not anti-American, will donate $1 million|date=September 1, 2016|newspaper=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/49ers/2016/09/01/colin-kaepernick-national-anthem-protest-police-socks/89743344/|access-date=November 15, 2019}}{{cite web |url=http://kaepernick7.com/million-dollar-pledge/ |title=Million Dollar Pledge |website=kaepernick7.com|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114104130/http://kaepernick7.com/million-dollar-pledge/ |archive-date=November 14, 2017 }} He donated $25,000 to the Mothers Against Police Brutality organization that was started by Collette Flanagan, whose son fell victim to police brutality.{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Greg |date=December 11, 2017 |title=The KAP EFFECT |url=https://www.si.com/vault/2017/12/05/kap-effect |access-date=April 25, 2019 |website=SI.com |language=en}} In 2018, Kaepernick announced that he would make the final $100,000 donation of his "Million Dollar Pledge" in the form of $10,000 donations to charities that would be matched by celebrities.{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Carron J. |date=January 17, 2018 |title=Kaepernick announces celebrity friends to match 10 $10G donations |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/kaepernick-announces-celebrity-friends-match-10-10g-donations-article-1.3762231 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117220425/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/kaepernick-announces-celebrity-friends-match-10-10g-donations-article-1.3762231 |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |access-date=January 17, 2018 |website=NY Daily News}}

Inspired by Kaepernick, other NFL players and pro athletes conducted various forms of silent protests during the national anthem.{{cite news|last=Graziano|first=Dan|title=Colin Kaepernick's NFL workout: Why it's happening now, what's next|date=November 14, 2019|website=ESPN.com|url=https://global.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28072048/colin-kaepernick-nfl-workout-why-happening-now-next|access-date=November 15, 2019}} His San Francisco teammates awarded him the team's Len Eshmont Award, as the player who best epitomized the inspirational and courageous play of former 49er Len Eshmont.{{cite news|last=Payne|first=Marissa|title=Colin Kaepernick's 49ers teammates vote to give him prestigious award|date=December 31, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/12/30/colin-kaepernicks-49ers-teammates-vote-to-give-him-prestigious-award/|access-date=November 15, 2019}}{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2016 |title=49ers Announce 2016 Team Award Recipients |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-announce-2016-team-award-recipients-18364498 |access-date=November 15, 2019 |website=San Francisco 49ers}} Then-49ers head coach Chip Kelly later said that Kaepernick was "zero distraction" that season.{{cite news|last=Gleeson|first=Scott|title=Chip Kelly defends Colin Kaepernick, says former 49ers QB was 'zero distraction' in 2016|date=June 29, 2017|newspaper=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/06/29/chip-kelly-defends-colin-kaepernick-49-ers-qb-zero-distraction/439047001/|access-date=November 15, 2019}}{{cite news|last=Bieler|first=Des|title=Colin Kaepernick agent pushes back on 'false narratives' while affirming QB's desire to play|date=October 11, 2019|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/10/11/colin-kaepernick-agent-pushes-back-false-narratives-while-affirming-qbs-desire-play/|access-date=November 15, 2019}}

Also in 2016, Kaepernick and his partner Nessa founded the "Know Your Rights Camp", an organization which held free seminars to disadvantaged youths to teach them about self-empowerment, American history, and legal rights.{{cite news|first=Rebecca|last=Keegan|title=Colin Kaepernick on Joining Forces With EIF for His Social Justice Program|date=June 23, 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/colin-kaepernick-eif-philanthropy-1235169063/|access-date=January 29, 2025}}{{Cite web |date=October 29, 2016 |title=Colin Kaepernick hosts 'Know Your Rights' camp for Oakland-area youth |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17918655/san-francisco-49ers-qb-colin-kaepernick-hosts-know-your-rights-camp-oakland-area-youth |access-date=November 14, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}} In April 2020, the Know Your Rights Camp launched a relief fund for individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://newsone.com/3929802/colin-kaepernick-donates-100000-to-know-your-rights-camp-coronavirus-relief-fund/|title=Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp Launches COVID-19 Relief Fund|date=April 18, 2020|website=NewsOne|language=en|access-date=April 27, 2020}} Kaepernick donated $100,000 to the fund.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/17/us/colin-kaepernick-coronavirus-donation-spt-trnd/index.html|title=Colin Kaepernick is donating $100,000 to coronavirus relief efforts to aid communities of color|first=Christina |last=Maxouris|website=CNN|date=April 17, 2020 |access-date=April 27, 2020}}

In 2018, Nike released an ad featuring Kaepernick with the text, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything." NFL spokesperson Jocelyn Moore responded to the ad saying Kaepernick's social justice campaign, "deserve(s) our attention and action".{{Cite web |last=Romero |first=Dennis |date=September 4, 2018 |title=NFL says issues raised by Colin Kaepernick 'deserve our attention and action' |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/nfl-says-issues-raised-colin-kaepernick-deserve-our-attention-action-n906431 |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=NBC News |language=en}}

In July 2019, Nike released a shoe featuring the Betsy Ross flag called the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July trainers. The trainers were designed to celebrate Independence Day. The model was subsequently withdrawn after Colin Kaepernick told the brand he and others found the flag offensive because they associated it with slavery.{{cite news |last1=Safdar |first1=Khadeeja |last2=Beaton |first2=Andrew |title=Nike Nixes 'Betsy Ross Flag' Shoe After Kaepernick Intervenes |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/nike-nixes-betsy-ross-flag-sneaker-after-colin-kaepernick-intervenes-11562024126 |access-date=July 2, 2019 |date=July 1, 2019 |newspaper=Wall Street Journal }}{{Cite web |last=Petter |first=Olivia |date=July 2, 2019 |title=Nike pulls Fourth of July trainers after Colin Kaepernick 'raises concerns' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/nike-colin-kaepernick-air-max-1-fourth-of-july-flag-offensive-colonies-a8983701.html |access-date=July 2, 2019 |language=en |newspaper=The Independent}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48840608|title=Nike 'pulls Betsy Ross flag trainer after Kaepernick complaint'|date=July 2, 2019|access-date=July 2, 2019|work=BBC News}} Joe Scarborough decried Nike's decision as "politically correct madness", saying that the flag should be seen as a symbol of resistance against King George III. Scarborough also felt that this instance of political correctness could help Donald Trump to be re-elected.{{Cite web |last=Wise |first=Justin |date=July 2, 2019 |title=Nike Pulls Betsy Ross Flag Sneakers After Kaepernick Complaint |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/media/451411-scarborough-unleashes-on-woke-democrats-after-nike-cancels-betsy-ross-flag |access-date=July 2, 2019 |website=The Hill |language=en}} Charles Taylor of Forbes described Nike's decision as a blunder, noting that no significant number of Americans view the Betsy Ross flag as a racist symbol and that a poll shows that 85% of American millennials like seeing the U.S. flag on Independence Day.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Charles |date=July 2, 2019 |title=Why Nike's Pulling The Flag Shoe Is A Blunder |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/charlesrtaylor/2019/07/02/why-nikes-pulling-the-flag-shoe-is-a-blunder/#7737675b11ed |access-date=July 3, 2019 |website=Forbes.com |language=en}} Nike's decision to withdraw the product drew criticism from Arizona Republican Governor Doug Ducey, who subsequently pulled a {{USD|2 million}} tax incentive for a Nike factory in the state,{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48840608 | title = Nike loses factory aid as 'racist trainer' row intensifies | date = July 2, 2019 | access-date = July 2, 2019 | work = BBC }} and Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz.{{Cite web |last1=Novy-Williams |first1=Eben |last2=Giammona |first2=Craig |date=July 2, 2019 |title=Nike Pulls 'Betsy Ross Flag' Sneakers After Kaepernick Complaint |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-07-02/nike-pulls-betsy-ross-flag-shoes-at-kaepernick-s-urging-wsj |access-date=July 2, 2019 |website=Bloomberg |language=en}}

In June 2020, amid the George Floyd protests, The New York Times wrote that the NFL had wrestled with the issue of race, noting that three-quarters of NFL players are African-American, yet nearly every NFL team owner is white (and several are prominent Trump supporters).{{Cite news|last=Belson|first=Ken|date=June 5, 2020|title=As Trump Rekindles N.F.L. Fight, Goodell Sides With Players|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/05/sports/football/trump-anthem-kneeling-kaepernick.html|access-date=June 6, 2020|issn=0362-4331}} NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell put out a statement in which he apologized for not listening to the concerns of African-American players. The Times wrote that Goodell's "words were panned as hypocritical because of the league owners' rejection of Kaepernick." Michael Rosenberg of Sports Illustrated wrote, "Mainstream white America is going to reconsider Kaepernick at some point – the way it reconsidered Muhammad Ali years after he refused to go to Vietnam, the way it reconsidered Jackie Robinson and Jack Johnson. Progress comes in fits and starts, and this country tends to punish those who urge it to move faster. The reconsideration of Kaepernick has begun."{{Cite magazine |last=Rosenberg |first=Michael |date=June 1, 2020 |title=What Do You Think of Colin Kaepernick Now? |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/06/01/colin-kaepernick-and-george-floyd-protests |access-date=June 6, 2020 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}{{Cite web|last=Paine|first=Neil|date=June 3, 2020|title=Four Years After Colin Kaepernick Kneeled, NFL Quarterbacks Are Starting To Speak Out|url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/four-years-after-colin-kaepernick-kneeled-nfl-quarterbacks-are-starting-to-speak-out/|access-date=June 6, 2020|website=FiveThirtyEight|language=en-US}} In August, after the shooting of Jacob Blake, a black man, Goodell said that he wished the NFL had listened earlier to Kaepernick's reasons for kneeling.{{cite news|first=Jori|last=Epstein|title= Dallas Cowboys VP Stephen Jones declines chance to back Roger Goodell's stance on Colin Kaepernick's protests|date=August 27, 2020|newspaper=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2020/08/27/stephen-jones-does-not-back-roger-goodell-colin-kaepernick-stance/5652302002/|access-date=August 29, 2020}}

Kaepernick supports the abolition of police and prisons. In October 2020, Kaepernick Publishing launched a project with Medium titled "Abolition For The People", a collection of 30 essays written by several activists calling for police and prison abolition and criticizing prison reform as only "reforming, reshaping, and rebranding"{{Cite news |last=Kaepernick |first=Colin |date=October 6, 2020 |title=The Demand for Abolition |website=Medium |publisher=Level Man |url=https://level.medium.com/the-demand-for-abolition-979c759ff6f |access-date=January 12, 2021}} systemic racism.{{Cite news |date=October 6, 2020 |title=Abolition for the People |website=Medium |publisher=Level Man |url=https://level.medium.com/abolition-for-the-people-397ef29e3ca5 |access-date=January 12, 2021}}{{Cite web|last=Brito|first=Christopher|date=October 8, 2020|title=Colin Kaepernick calls for abolishing police and prisons in new essay|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/colin-kaepernick-abolish-police-prisons-essay-medium-2020-10-08/|access-date=January 12, 2021|website=CBS News|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|last=Choi|first=Joseph|date=October 11, 2020|title=Kaepernick: Abolish police, prisons|work=The Hill|publisher=MSN|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/kaepernick-abolish-police-prisons/ar-BB19VhbM|access-date=January 12, 2021}} In August 2016 Kaepernick wore a t-shirt featuring a picture of a meeting between Malcolm X and Fidel Castro and praised the Cuban Literacy Campaign. He also said, "I am a believer in Malcolm X and his ideology and what he talked about and what he believed in as far as fighting oppression".{{Cite news |last=Bieler |first=Des |date=November 24, 2016 |title=Colin Kaepernick grilled by Miami Herald reporter over Fidel Castro shirt |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/11/24/colin-kaepernick-grilled-by-miami-dolphins-reporter-over-fidel-castro-shirt/ |access-date=March 2, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{Cite magazine |date=November 27, 2016 |title=Colin Kaepernick addresses his Fidel Castro t-shirt after playing in Miami |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/11/27/colin-kaepernick-addresses-fidel-castro-t-shirt-miami |access-date=March 2, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}{{Cite web |last=Willis |first=Jay |date=November 28, 2016 |title=Colin Kaepernick Had a Dubious Take About Fidel Castro's Legacy |url=https://www.gq.com/story/colin-kaepernick-fidel-castro |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=GQ}}

In 2016, Kaepernick said that he began following a vegan diet nine months earlier to help recover from injuries.{{cite web

|url=https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/features/vegan-celebrities/

|title=Vegan celebrities in 2025: 71 stars share why they went vegan

|access-date=2025-01-06

|last=Smith

|first=Rachel

|date=2024-12-02

|publisher=Vegan Food and Living

}} In 2020, he partnered with Impossible Foods via his organization "Know Your Rights Camp" to provide vegan food to "communities in need."{{cite web

|url=https://vegnews.com/impossible-foods-partners-with-colin-kaepernick-s-social-justice-program-to-fight-food-insecurity

|title=Impossible Foods Partners with Colin Kaepernick's Social-Justice Program to Fight Food Insecurity

|access-date=2025-01-06

|last=Starostinetskaya

|first=Anna

|date=2020-07-09

|publisher=VegNews

}} Also in 2020, he partnered with Ben & Jerry's to create a vegan flavor called "Change the Whirled." A portion of the proceeds will also go to the "Know Your Rights Camp."{{cite web

|url=https://people.com/food/ben-jerrys-teams-up-with-colin-kaepernick-on-new-ice-cream-flavor/

|title=Ben & Jerry's and Colin Kaepernick Team Up on a Vegan Ice Cream Flavor Called 'Change the Whirled'

|access-date=2025-01-06

|last=Honkus

|first=Mary

|date=2020-12-10

|publisher=People Magazine

}}

• I Color Myself Different (Scholastic){{Cite web |last=Osbourne |first=Aussie |date=May 18, 2022 |title=Scholastic to Publish Colin Kaepernick's Graphic Novel Memoir |url=https://www.aussieosbourne.com/2022/05/scholastic-to-publish-colin-kaepernicks.html |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=Aussie Osbourne}}

File:Carmelo Anthony and Colin Kaepernick at the New York Liberty-Las Vegas Aces WNBA game, October 1, 2024.jpg after a New York Liberty/Las Vegas Aces WNBA Semifinals game, October 1, 2024]]

Kaepernick was baptized Methodist, confirmed Lutheran, and attended a Baptist church during his college years.{{cite web|author= Angela Denker |title= Colin Kaepernick and the powerful, religious act of kneeling |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/09/24/colin-kaepernick-and-the-powerful-religious-act-of-kneeling/|date= September 24, 2017 |work= washingtonpost.com |access-date= }}{{cite news |url=http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/11/30/kaepernick-sparks-tattoo-controversy/ |title=Kaepernick sparks tattoo controversy |last=Saracevic |first=Al |date=November 30, 2012 |work=SFGate |access-date=February 4, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204141427/http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/11/30/kaepernick-sparks-tattoo-controversy/|archive-date=December 4, 2012 }} Kaepernick spoke about his faith saying, "I think God guides me through every day and helps me take the right steps and has helped me to get to where I'm at."{{Cite web |last=Tromerhauser |first=Damian |date=January 16, 2013 |title=Faith Based: Former Nevada standout speaks at local church about life, athletics |url=http://www.dailysparkstribune.com/view/full_story/17328970/article-Faith-Based--Former-Nevada-standout-speaks-at-local-church-about-life--athletics |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116182805/http://www.dailysparkstribune.com/view/full_story/17328970/article-Faith-Based--Former-Nevada-standout-speaks-at-local-church-about-life--athletics |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |website=Daily Sparks Tribune}} Kaepernick has multiple tattoos about his faith. His right arm features a scroll with the Bible verse Psalm 18:39 written on it. Tattooed under the scroll are praying hands with the phrase "To God The Glory" written on them. To the left of both the scroll and praying hands is the word "Faith" written vertically. His left arm features a Christian cross with the words "Heaven Sent" on it referring to Jesus Christ. Written above and below the cross is the phrase "God Will Guide Me". Written to the left and right of the cross is the Bible verse Psalm 27:3.{{Cite web |last=Almond |first=Elliott |date=January 25, 2013 |title=Super Bowl 2013: Colin Kaepernick's tattoos more than skin deep |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_22450929/super-bowl-2013-colin-kaepernicks-tattoos-more-than |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103122807/http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_22450929/super-bowl-2013-colin-kaepernicks-tattoos-more-than |archive-date=January 3, 2014 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |website=Mercury News}}{{Cite magazine |last=King |first=Peter |author-link=Peter King (sportswriter) |date=July 23, 2013 |title=Colin Kaepernick Does Not Care What You Think About His Tattoos |url=http://mmqb.si.com/2013/07/23/colin-kaepernick-49ers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103165736/http://mmqb.si.com/2013/07/23/colin-kaepernick-49ers/ |archive-date=January 3, 2014 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/colin-kaepernick-shows-off-his-post-super-bowl-tattoos-0ap1000000137423 |title=Colin Kaepernick shows off his post-Super Bowl tattoos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103204755/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000137423/article/colin-kaepernick-shows-off-his-postsuper-bowl-tattoos |archive-date=January 3, 2014 |first1=Marc|last1=Sessler|website=NFL.com |date=February 8, 2013|access-date=October 20, 2019}}

Kaepernick reportedly started dating radio personality and television host Nessa Diab in July 2015,{{cite news |title=Kaepernick social media posts laud Black Lives Matter, Black Panthers since dating activist DJ |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/kaepernick-social-media-posts-laud-black-lives-matter-black-panthers-since-dating-activist-dj |access-date=September 21, 2016 |work=Fox News |date=August 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914045516/http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2016/08/30/kaepernick-social-media-posts-laud-black-lives-matter-black-panthers-since-dating-activist-dj.html |archive-date=September 14, 2016 }} and officially went public about their relationship in February 2016.{{cite news |title=49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and MTV's Nessa go public with relationship |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_29526723/49ers-quarterback-colin-kaepernick-and-mtvs-nessa-go |access-date=September 1, 2016 |work=San Jose Mercury News |agency=Bay Area News Group |date=February 17, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901203947/http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_29526723/49ers-quarterback-colin-kaepernick-and-mtvs-nessa-go |archive-date=September 1, 2016 }} Their child was born in August 2022.{{cite web | last=Truffaut-Wong | first=Olivia | title=Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab Welcome Their First Child | website=The Cut | date=August 29, 2022 | url=https://www.thecut.com/2022/08/colin-kaepernick-nessa-diab-first-child-baby-announcement.html | access-date=August 30, 2022}}

Kaepernick's family has had a pet African spurred tortoise named Sammy since he was 10 years old.{{cite news |last1=Ostler |first1=Scott |title=From Turlock to S.F., taking the long route |url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/ostler/article/From-Turlock-to-S-F-taking-the-long-route-2372517.php#page-1 |access-date=November 26, 2018 |newspaper=SFGate |date=May 9, 2011}}

In February 2020, Kaepernick started Kaepernick Publishing.{{Cite web |last=Draper |first=Kevin |date=February 13, 2020 |title=Colin Kaepernick to Release a Memoir and Start a Publishing Company |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/13/sports/colin-kaepernick-memoir-audible.html |access-date=March 2, 2023 |newspaper=The New York Times}} Kaepernick published a children's book titled I Color Myself Different in April 2022 through his publishing company and Scholastic.{{cite news |last1=Balaban |first1=Samantha |title=Colin Kaepernick says 'I Color Myself Different' in his first children's book |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/04/02/1089986114/colin-kaepernick-i-color-myself-different-book |access-date=June 9, 2022 |work=NPR |date=April 2, 2022 |language=en}}

On October 29, 2021, Netflix premiered Colin in Black & White, a six-episode limited series about Kaepernick's teenage years. The series was co-created by Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay.{{Cite web |last=Lawrence |first=Derek |date=August 12, 2021 |title=Get a first look at Netflix's Colin Kaepernick series 'Colin in Black & White' |url=https://ew.com/tv/colin-in-black-white-first-look/ |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=EW.com |language=en}}

• 2017 GQ Magazine Citizen of the Year{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2017 |title=Colin Kaepernick is GQ's Citizen of the Year |url=https://www.gq.com/story/colin-kaepernick-cover-men-of-the-year |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114141355/https://www.gq.com/story/colin-kaepernick-cover-men-of-the-year |archive-date=November 14, 2017 |access-date=November 14, 2017 |website=GQ.com}}
• 2017 Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award{{Cite magazine |last=Rosenberg |first=Michael |date=November 30, 2017 |title=Colin Kaepernick Is Recipient of 2017 Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award |url=https://www.si.com/sportsperson/2017/11/30/colin-kaepernick-muhammad-ali-legacy-award |access-date=October 20, 2019 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}
• 2017 American Civil Liberties Union Eason Monroe Courageous Advocate Award{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Jill |date=December 4, 2017 |title=Colin Kaepernick honored with ACLU award |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/04/sport/colin-kaepernick-honored-with-aclu-award/index.html |access-date=October 20, 2019 |website=CNN.com}}
• 2017 Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship honoree{{cite web|url=http://www.puffinfoundation.org/projects/puffin-nation-award-for-creative-citizenship/2017-honoree-colin-kaepernick.html|title=2017 Honoree, Colin Kaepernick|access-date=October 20, 2019|website=puffinfoundation.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505153243/http://www.puffinfoundation.org/projects/puffin-nation-award-for-creative-citizenship/2017-honoree-colin-kaepernick.html|archive-date=May 5, 2019|url-status=dead}}
• 2018 Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award{{Cite magazine |last=Gregory |first=Sean |date=April 21, 2018 |title=Colin Kaepernick Wins Amnesty International's Highest Honor |url=https://time.com/5248606/colin-kaepernick-wins-amnesty-internationals-ambassador-of-conscience-award/ |access-date=March 2, 2023 |magazine=Time |language=en}}
• 2018 Harvard University W. E. B. Du Bois Medal{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2018 |title=Kaepernick and Chappelle among eight Du Bois medalists at Harvard |url=https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/09/kaepernick-and-chappelle-among-eight-du-bois-medalists-at-harvard/ |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Harvard Gazette |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Wagaman|first=Connor|date=October 12, 2018|title=Kaepernick, Chappelle, Stevenson Receive W.E.B. Du Bois Medals in an Overflowing Sanders|url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2018/10/12/web-du-bois-awards/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808184901/https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2018/10/12/web-du-bois-awards/|archive-date=August 8, 2020|access-date=May 13, 2021|website=The Harvard Crimson}}
• 2020 Ripple of Hope Award from the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights{{Cite web |last=O'Kane |first=Caitlin |date=July 30, 2020 |title=Dr. Fauci and Colin Kaepernick to receive award for "commitment to social change" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dr-fauci-colin-kaepernick-robert-f-kennedy-human-rights-award/ |access-date=December 11, 2020 |website=CBS News}}

{{Reflist}}

{{refbegin|}}

• Towler, C., Crawford, N., & Bennett, R. (2020). Shut Up and Play: Black Athletes, Protest Politics, and Black Political Action. Perspectives on Politics, 18(1), 111–127.

{{refend}}

{{Commons}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• {{Official website|http://www.kaepernick7.com}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110513073945/http://www.49ers.com/team/roster/Colin-Kaepernick/3cd88f8f-8836-400f-9fa4-c6a65736c4d7 San Francisco 49ers profile]
• {{Footballstats |nfl=2495186 |espn=14001|yahoo=24823 |pfr=K/KaepCo00 }}
• [https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/14001/colin-kaepernick ESPN.com college profile]

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