Athlete-turned-activist Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, is still looking for a second chance to land a starting job on one of the 32 NFL teams. With the ball in his hands, Kaepernick said in an interview Saturday with WXYZ Detroit he will bring value to any roster that gives him a shot.
"I can help make you a better team. I can help you win games," Kaepernick said.
NOT AN APRIL FOOLS JOKE: Colin Kaepernick says he could “absolutely” still play in the NFL
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Kaepernick recently appeared in a quarterback workout at the University of Michigan's spring game, hoping to demonstrate at the throwing audition to recruiters that he still has what it takes to play in the league. Invited to participate in the event by his former NFL coach, Jim Harbaugh, Kaepernick took the opportunity to show off a lively arm and completed several deep passes.
"So to the teams that have questions, more than anything I would say I'd love to come in for a workout. I'd love to sit down with you and have that conversation about how I could help you be a better team," Kaepernick said.
Pete Carroll, the head coach for the Seattle Seahawks, notably spoke with Kaepernick about a potential return. Carroll has declined to say whether he sees Kaepernick as a viable option or if that conversation opened the door to a closer look at a potential partnership, according to Fox News. For now, Kaepernick hopes to continue convincing coaches he's worth their attention.
Kaepernick had a controversial run in the NFL—both in terms of his ability on the field and as a left-wing figure taking up progressive causes.
During his time in San Francisco, Kaepernick led the 49ers to six playoff games and an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII where they would ultimately lose to the Baltimore Ravens. As a dual-threat quarterback, Kaepernick kept defenses wary of his ability to win games with his legs. But inconsistencies in the passing game ultimately caught up with Kaepernick in the 2016 season, and team leadership announced that backup Blaine Gabbert would fill the role going forward.
In March of 2017, Kaepernick decided to opt out of the remainder of his contract with the 49ers and enter free agency. That was five years ago. Kaepernick, remaining in the political spotlight, hasn't been a part of an NFL roster since.
Since then, Kaepernick has been more frequently referenced for his controversial decision to kneel for the National Anthem than his ability to play quarterback. He has become a symbol of activism and was one of the first public figures to challenge the idea of American exceptionalism on a national platform.
Kaepernick took a moment to thank Harbaugh for inviting him to the Michigan workout. When asked about his abilities on the field, Kaepernick communicated that he didn't have any doubts about his athletic abilities.
"Absolutely. We still get out there. You know really getting out here today was about showing I could do [this]. I want to show everyone I can still play, I can still throw it. Really just looking for a door to open to have a pathway to get a starting job and lead a team to a championship," Kaepernick said.
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