Kaepernick Wound Can Heal

Former 49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick works out today for NFL teams in Atlanta, with at least 24 of 32 teams in attendance. To put that in perspective, it would be rare to have every team come to a Pro Scouting Day for a college player. Kaepernick will participate in the workout to show teams he is in shape, throwing well, and has a desire to play in the NFL again. Since he has not played since 2016 and did not go to a training camp this summer, it is likely that any interest in signing Kaepernick would be reflected in a futures contract for the 2020 season. If he is signed it could potentially heal a wound that he and the NFL suffered a few seasons ago.

When Kaepernick knelt during the playing of the National Anthem two years ago to protest oppression faced by African-Americans and unwarranted police shootings of civilians, the controversy tore football fans apart. Other players joined in the protest. Some fans felt that he was disrespecting the flag and the military, while President Trump threw fuel on the fire by calling the players expletives. Other fans felt that Kaepernick was principled and courageous in putting his career at risk to stand up for the rights of others. Nike even built an entire advertising campaign around honoring Kaepernick.

Attendance and television ratings dropped that season for the first time in years. When fans were asked why they were watching or attending less NFL games, the first response was a reaction to the Kaepernick kneeling protests. Kaepernick is now 32 years old and has not played in the last two seasons. Why is this?

One theory is that NFL teams boycotted his services in reaction to his protest. Signing him to a contract would have just been a distraction to the organization, and this specific theory has led to bitterness from fans and journalists. Another theory is that Kaepernick flourished under the Coaching of Jim Harbaugh and led his team to the Super Bowl, but a change in regime and system made him less effective. There also is a question as to whether Kaepernick was willing to restart his career with a dramatically lower salary than before.

Football is a systemic game. A player may flourish in one system, with a great supporting cast and be less successful in another. For example, the Baltimore Ravens' offense utilizes the full skill set of Lamar Jackson, who has been stellar this season. Kaepernick, who has mobility, would be well advised to find a system that enables him to succeed. He has talent, and whether one agrees with his protest or not, Kaepernick has stayed principled and suffered the consequences of standing up for what he believes in. 

Professional football has become an overwhelmingly QB-centric game. The injury rate to QBs is high, and depth at the position is desirable. Kaepernick has talent, leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl, and at 32 years of age is not too old to be a productive quarterback in the NFL. His protest was partially answered in January by the NFL as the league launched a social justice initiative with an emphasis on education, economic development, and community and police relations. Hopefully a team will decide to sign him after his workout, and the lingering rift begins to heal as a result.