Colin Kaepernick is an American civil rights activist and former professional football quarterback, best known for his time with the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 3, 1987, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kaepernick was adopted by Rick and Teresa Kaepernick, who raised him in Turlock, California.
During his college years at the University of Nevada, Kaepernick showcased exceptional talent as a quarterback. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Over six seasons with the team, he led them to Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, where they narrowly lost to the Baltimore Ravens.
In 2016, Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality in the United States. This act sparked national debate and led to his departure from the NFL, as he remained unsigned by any team following that season.
Beyond football, Kaepernick has been a prominent activist. He founded the “Know Your Rights Camp,” aiming to educate and empower marginalized communities. In 2018, he received Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award for his efforts.
In 2021, Netflix released “Colin in Black & White,” a series co-created by Kaepernick that explores his teenage years and the experiences that led to his activism.
As of 2024, Kaepernick expressed his continued desire to return to professional football. He maintains a rigorous training regimen, waking up at 3:30 a.m. daily to stay in shape, despite not having played since 2016.