Colin Kaepernick is currently a prominent social justice activist and remains a free agent in the National Football League. Since his last season in 2016, he has dedicated himself to various initiatives focused on racial equity and human rights, while continuing to advocate for his potential return to professional football.
Professional Football Status
Since 2017, Kaepernick has been without a team in the NFL. This stems from a lawsuit he filed against the league, accusing team owners of colluding to keep him out, a claim he later settled. Despite occasional reports or discussions about a possible return, he has not played professional football since his time with the San Francisco 49ers.
Activism and Advocacy
Kaepernick has channeled his platform into robust activism, becoming a leading voice in the social justice movement. His work primarily focuses on issues such as police brutality, systemic oppression, and human rights.
The Know Your Rights Camp
A cornerstone of his activism is the Know Your Rights Camp (Know Your Rights Camp), an organization he founded in 2016. The camp's mission is to advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, and mass mobilization. It provides:
- Free educational programs: Focusing on topics like Black history, financial literacy, and self-empowerment.
- Legal defense initiatives: Supporting those impacted by state violence.
- Community outreach: Providing resources and support to marginalized communities.
Other Social Justice Initiatives
Beyond the Know Your Rights Camp, Kaepernick has actively supported and funded numerous other causes:
- He contributed significantly to efforts combating food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- He has been vocal in advocating for police reform and accountability.
- He launched the "Abolition for the People" project, a collection of essays and artwork exploring themes of abolition and radical social change.
Media and Business Ventures
Leveraging his widespread recognition, Kaepernick has also ventured into media and business, using these platforms to further his message and create content that challenges conventional narratives.
Publishing and Literary Work
Kaepernick is the editor of Abolition for the People: The Movement for a Future Without Policing & Prisons, a powerful anthology published by his own imprint, Kaepernick Publishing. This work provides critical perspectives on social justice and systemic change.
Production Deals and Partnerships
He has secured significant partnerships and production deals aimed at bringing his story and related social justice narratives to broader audiences:
- Netflix Deal: In 2020, Kaepernick signed a multi-year deal with Netflix to produce a variety of content, including the scripted series Colin in Black & White, which chronicles his formative years.
- ARRAY Filmworks: He partners with director Ava DuVernay's production company, ARRAY, on various projects.
- Nike Partnership: Despite the controversy surrounding his activism, Kaepernick famously maintained his endorsement deal with Nike, which released "Dream Crazy" advertisements featuring him and "True to 7" shoes.
- Ben & Jerry's: He collaborated with the ice cream company Ben & Jerry's to release a flavor called "Change the Whirled," with proceeds supporting the Know Your Rights Camp.
Key Activities Summary
Activity Category | Current Focus |
---|---|
Professional Status | Free agent in the NFL; last played in 2016; engaged in a lawsuit against the league (now settled). |
Activism | Founder of Know Your Rights Camp; advocates for racial justice, police reform, and human rights. |
Media & Publishing | Editor of "Abolition for the People"; executive producer for Netflix content; leads Kaepernick Publishing. |
Business Ventures | Strategic partnerships with brands like Nike and Ben & Jerry's; manages production deals. |