Colin Kaepernick Deserves All the Kudos, And Here’s Why

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Let’s be real for a moment: football has never been my jam. Growing up in a household where sports were practically a religion, I often felt like a hostage on Sunday afternoons, forced to endure game after game while my parents cheered—or bickered—over their favorite teams. If you were to ask me which sport I disliked the most, I’d probably say football, mainly because my hometown teams were about as exciting as watching paint dry.

Fast forward to living with my football-loving partner, and I found myself surrendering the remote three nights a week for his viewing pleasure. To my surprise, I started to find myself rooting for players, albeit still confused by the rules of the game. Enter the year 2012, and the arrival of Colin Kaepernick with the San Francisco 49ers.

Initially, I wasn’t a fan. I had some pretty harsh opinions about his pre-game style—hoodies and Beats headphones just didn’t scream “professional” to me. I thought he came off as arrogant and lacked the seriousness that other players seemed to embody. This became a running joke with my dad, who would teasingly call Kaepernick my “best friend.” I lumped him in with the other players I didn’t care for—just a bunch of muscle-bound guys, right?

But then something shifted. Kaepernick, who is biracial and was raised by white adoptive parents, made a bold decision to take a knee during the national anthem. He explained that he couldn’t stand up and show pride for a flag that represents a country that oppresses black people and people of color. His words struck a chord: “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.”

His protest sparked a wave of support from other athletes across various sports, and suddenly, Kaepernick was no longer just a player on the field—he was a voice for change. He committed to donating $1 million from his 2016 salary to charitable organizations focused on fighting oppression. The backlash was intense, especially from fans who wanted him to “just shut up and play.” Ah, the classic refrain that’s been echoing since the 1960s.

Throughout the 2016-2017 season, Kaepernick remained steadfast, taking a knee at every game and launching his $100,000 monthly donation plan. The Colin Kaepernick Foundation has since contributed $400,000 to various charitable efforts aimed at social justice. One of their initiatives, the Know Your Rights camp, empowers youth by teaching them about education, self-empowerment, and how to interact with law enforcement.

At the end of that season, Kaepernick donated his extensive collection of Nike sneakers and sports gear to charities in the Bay Area, including the Dorothy Day House, which aids those experiencing homelessness and low-income families. His Million Dollar Pledge supports organizations across the country, focusing on issues like police brutality and housing for marginalized communities.

Perhaps I was too quick to judge Colin Kaepernick at first, but I’m happily admitting my mistake. It’s rare to see someone in a prominent position put their values ahead of their career, especially when it could cost them their livelihood. With whispers that NFL teams might be wary of signing him after his release from the 49ers, it’s clear he’s not willing to “play ball” with the status quo—even if it means sacrificing millions.

Kaepernick’s legacy might not be defined by his football career, but it will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the field.

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In summary, Colin Kaepernick is a figure who has redefined what it means to be an athlete in today’s society. His commitment to activism and social justice has made a significant impact, proving that there is more to sports than just the game itself.