Colin Kaepernick remains hopeful about a potential NFL playing future

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick hasn't taken a snap in a meaningful game for over half a decade but hasn't given up on once again playing in the NFL. 

"I’m going to keep pushing," Kaepernick recently said about pursuing NFL opportunities during a conversation with Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated. "I'm going to keep fighting for it because I know I can step on the field and play. Every workout, every opportunity I’ve had to show that, the feedback has always been positive. Everything from, 'He’s still an elite player,' to, 'The workout was great; it was better than expected.'" 

Kaepernick turns 36 years old this coming November, hasn't played since the 2016 NFL season when he kneeled for renditions of the national anthem to protest acts of police violence and racial inequality and last had a workout with the Las Vegas Raiders in the spring of 2022. It was subsequently reported that two teams other than the Raiders showed interest in Kaepernick before that workout, but Las Vegas ultimately stuck with then-starter Derek Carr and backup Jarrett Stidham. 

Stidham could potentially replace Russell Wilson as the starter for the Denver Broncos this fall. 

"I’ve heard a lot of excuses over the years," Kaepernick said about why he remained unsigned last year, "but most of the time it ends up, 'Oh, we’re going to see how the guys that we have do.' With the Raiders' situation last year, that was Stidham and Nick Mullens, which to me, you just compare résumés and capabilities, on top of the workout and the feedback, it’s like, 'O.K., cool.'"

He suggested that "political bias" caused the Raiders to pass on adding him to the roster.

Kaepernick played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 through the 2016 campaign and completed 59.8% of 1,692 career passes for 12,271 yards with 72 touchdowns, 30 interceptions and a career passer rating of 88.9. To compare, ESPN stats show that current Washington Commanders signal-caller Jacoby Brissett ranked 20th among eligible players with that same passer rating last season. 

Kaepernick somewhat compared the skillsets he flashed during his physical prime with those possessed by Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, Philadelphia Eagles starter Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. 

"I’m excited to see them continue to do their thing, and I hope I get to stand on the opposing sideline and go toe to toe with them," Kaepernick added. 

It's unknown if any teams plan to invite Kaepernick for workouts during training camp sessions that open later this summer.