Former NFL quarterback and social justice activist Colin Kaepernick criticized former President Trump ahead of the 2020 election during an interview with The Wall Street Journal podcast. Kaepernick first gained attention for protesting police brutality by taking a knee during the national anthem at San Francisco 49ers games in 2016. Trump, who won the election that year, took credit for Kaepernick’s lack of a contract in March 2017, attributing it to NFL owners not wanting to receive negative tweets from him. Trump further escalated his rhetoric against Kaepernick and other players who followed his lead by kneeling during games in subsequent months.
Trump’s infamous tirades against Kaepernick and protesting NFL players included calling for any owner who tolerated kneeling during the anthem to “Get that son of a b—- off the field right now. Out! He’s fired!” In a later interview, Trump reiterated that the NFL should not be allowed to disrespect the country, flag, or anthem. Kaepernick reflected on the incident during the recent interview, noting the significance of a then-sitting president targeting an individual citizen and using their office’s power to undermine that person’s aspirations. He emphasized the importance of learning from that moment to shape a better future together.
Kaepernick also discussed his views on the George Floyd riots in 2020, emphasizing the fundamental right for people to live without the threat of death and discrimination based on factors like race, religion, or socioeconomic status. Despite not playing in the NFL since his release from the 49ers in 2016, several coaches have advocated for Kaepernick’s return to the league. Kaepernick has had workout opportunities with teams in 2019, but none have signed him. In 2019, he settled a grievance against the NFL alleging collusion among team owners to keep him out of the league.
During the interview, Kaepernick revealed that despite being 36 years old, he maintained a rigorous schedule, waking up at 3:30 a.m. daily to continue his NFL training in case a team decides to sign him. He also juggles his efforts as the CEO of the tech startup Lumi Story AI. In the summer of 2020, Trump expressed support for teams to sign Kaepernick but emphasized that it should be based on his ability to perform. Kaepernick’s dedication to his training and advocacy for social justice highlight his commitment to both his athletic career and his activism work.
