Let's Talk About Colin Kaepernick
- Oct 2, 2017
- 2 min read
As we exit week 4 of the 2017 NFL season, with the matchup of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Redskins tonight on Monday Night Football, the NFL has received unprecedented attention, but not from football. During the 2016 season Colin Kaepernick, the former starting QB of the San Francisco 49ers began to kneel for the national anthem in protest of the injustices occurring within the United States. This action sent a shockwave across the NFL and the nation as whole as people were shocked at the public action. Colin received both condemnations and support from around the United States as people either felt disrespected by his actions, viewing it as anti-American/anti-military, or, proud that someone of his position would be willing to sacrifice his career for the betterment of those who are oppressed in the nation.
Fast forward to a year, and his message and movement have blossomed with unforeseeable events. The NFL's players, coaches, and owners have begun to participate in their own actions of protest and unity by either taking a knee or locking arms with one another during the national anthem. While this has been one of the most polarizing events within our nation, Colin Kaepernick has made his own strides to affect the nation and the communities around him.
Since the 2016-2017 season, Colin Kaepernick has been a free agent in the NFL and many can argue that he is being blackballed from being signed by a team due to his actions last year. The lack of job opportunity has not stopped Colin from spreading a message, however. In the year of 2017, Colin Kaepernick has pledged to donate $1 million to 20+ organizations. Some of which include the Coalition for the Homeless, War on the Homeless, Grassroot Leadership, and more. Colin has also started, funds, and leads a youth program named Know Your Rights Camp, which focuses on the education and self-empowerment for young minorities to better handle themselves in situations with law enforcement.
Though Colin Kaepernick has been out of public eye, his presence is still prevalent. There are still efforts on both sides to either try and get him signed by a team or guarantee that he will never play a snap of football again. But his efforts and his message are still alive and strong. He has created conversation and dialogue that would have never seen the light of day otherwise. With the country confused and in disarray, there is currently a call that Kaepernick comes out for a televised interview to strengthen or clarify the issues he began addressing a year ago.
Comments