Colin Kaepernick, the former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, is 36 years old and actively seeking another opportunity in the NFL. Despite being younger than current Jets starter Aaron Rodgers, who is 40, and matching the age of players like Matthew Stafford, Kirk Cousins, and Russell Wilson, Kaepernick has been absent from professional football for seven seasons.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports from the Paris Olympics, he shared that he is staying in shape and ready for a chance to return to the field. “We’re still training, still pushing,” Kaepernick stated, expressing hope that an NFL team owner would consider him for a spot on their roster. He believes he can significantly contribute to a team’s success.
Kaepernick may have an alternative route back into the NFL, although he seems primarily focused on playing. Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Chargers and Kaepernick’s former coach in San Francisco, mentioned that they had discussed Kaepernick possibly joining his coaching staff back in January. Harbaugh said, “He’s considering it… We haven’t reconnected since then.”
This season, the Chargers have added several former 49ers players to their coaching staff, including NaVorro Bowman and Will Tukuafu, both first-year coaches. Retired tight end Delanie Walker, another product of the Harbaugh era, is also on board for training camp.
Kaepernick led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 and back to the NFC Championship the following year. His activism became prominent during the 2016 season when he protested by kneeling during the national anthem. He opted out of his contract with the 49ers after that season but faced challenges in securing a spot on another team.
In 2017, Kaepernick filed a collusion grievance against the NFL, which was settled in 2019. He has made repeated attempts to return to the league; last season, he reached out to the Jets, offering to join their practice squad after Rodgers suffered a significant injury. Unfortunately for Kaepernick, the Jets did not accept his proposal, leaving him still searching for his next chance.
“I’ve trained my whole life for this,” Kaepernick remarked, emphasizing how important it would be for him to step back onto the field. In the same interview, he was also asked about potentially representing the U.S. in flag football at the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Kaepernick expressed enthusiasm about the idea, stating, “We’d love to be out there.”