Kaepernick: 10 Years, $150M Lost, and No Regrets
Colin Kaepernick states he has no regrets about his 2016 national anthem protests, despite losing an estimated $150 million in potential earnings and being effectively blacklisted from the NFL for a decade. While he remains largely out of the public eye to avoid becoming a 'cult of personality,' he continues grassroots activism through organizations like Know Your Rights and the Autopsy Initiative. Kaepernick recently released his autobiography, 'The Perilous Fight,' and clarified that his decision to kneel originated with teammate Eric Reid, not Nate Boyer. He acknowledges the financial and personal costs but maintains that the social impact of his actions outweighs the loss of his football career.
Key points
- Kaepernick estimates he lost $150 million in earnings due to being blacklisted after his 2016 protests.
- He released his autobiography, 'The Perilous Fight,' on September 14, 2026.
- The former 49ers quarterback claims he has consistently reached out to NFL teams, including a 2022 workout with the Raiders, but was never signed.
- Kaepernick attributes his low public profile to a desire to avoid being the sole figurehead of the movement, citing civil rights leader Ella Baker.
- He continues to support communities through Know Your Rights Camp and the Autopsy Initiative, which provides free second-opinion autopsies for police violence victims.
- Kaepernick clarified that the idea to kneel during the anthem came from teammate Eric Reid, correcting long-standing misinformation attributed to Nate Boyer.
Background
This interview follows recent coverage of Kaepernick's ongoing disputes with the NFL regarding blackballing and his response to Jay-Z's controversial freestyle. Previous reports noted his 2019 collusion lawsuit settlement and his continued training despite being out of the league for a decade. The current interview provides direct commentary from Kaepernick on these issues as he promotes his new book.
Why it matters
Kaepernick's continued exclusion from the NFL highlights persistent barriers to reintegration for athletes who engage in political protest. His shift from public visibility to behind-the-scenes activism offers a model for sustained social impact without relying on celebrity status. The financial toll of $150 million underscores the severe economic consequences of such blacklisting, while his ongoing work in education and police accountability demonstrates the long-term societal effects of his initial stance.
What to watch
Kaepernick will likely continue promoting 'The Perilous Fight' and expanding his community programs, including K-12 literacy initiatives. He remains open to NFL opportunities if a team owner is willing to sign him, though he acknowledges the league's resistance. His focus will remain on grassroots activism and addressing police violence through his existing organizations.
- Colin Kaepernick lost $150 million for taking a knee. He has no regrets The San Francisco Standard
- Colin Kaepernick reflects on Jay-Z 'disappointing' him, losing the NFL and finding his power NPR
- Colin Kaepernick Misses the Game The New Yorker
- Colin Kaepernick Is Ready to Return to the NFL, Claims He’s Better Than a ‘Good Amount’ of Current QBs Yahoo Sports
- Colin Kaepernick On Risk, Resolve And Refusing The Status Quo Forbes
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