Colin Kaepernick sends message to NFL teams: ‘Let me compete’
Colin Kaepernick is sending a poignant message to NFL front offices. In an appearance on the I AM ATHLETE podcast with Brandon Marshall, Chad Johnson and Adam “Pacman” Jones, Kaepernick revealed his passion is still football, and sent a message to the league.
Speaking to Marshall under the guise of pretending to be an NFL general manager, Kaepernick explained what he would want a front office to know.
“Let me come in and compete,” implored Kaepernick. “You have your roster, you have the team — let me come in, compete, show you what I can do.”
Continuing, questions as to how the free agent NFL quarterback would affect the locker room of a team have run rampant. In response, Kaepernick simply says ask his former coaches, and the proof is in the past.
“One, you can know by experience,” started Kaepernick. “My coach Jim Harbaugh spoke to it, my coach Chip Kelly spoke to it. Said that I made the locker room better. I came in, I prepared, I made the team better. That 2016 season, my last year, my teammates voted me the most courageous and inspirational player.
“So, when you’re talking about the people that are actually in the building, that has never come out that I’ve been a distraction. That has never come out that I’ve been an issue. From the people I’ve played with.”
Finally, the NFL has been called out for hypocrisy after taking a loud stance on social justice issues following the publicly perceived blackball of Kaepernick. As one of the biggest points of conversation when it comes to the quarterback, Marshall asked Kaepernick what an NFL team would say to their fanbase if they signed him.
“I say you have ‘End Racism’ in the back of your end-zone. You have ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the back of your helmet. Everything I’ve said should be in alignment with what you’re saying publicly,” responded Kaepernick. “It’s a $16 billion dollar business. When I first took a knee, my jersey went to No. 1. When I did the deal with Nike, their value increased by $6 billion dollars. $6 billion. With a B.
“So, if you’re talking about the business side, it’s beneficial. If you’re talking about the playing side, come in, let me compete and you can evaluate from there. The NFL is supposed to be a meritocracy. Come in, let me compete. If I’m not good enough, get rid of me.”
Colin Kaepernick has been out of the NFL since the end of the 2016 season. Still, he’s remained in football shape, and at the forefront of the news cycle. The former NFL star believes it’s time someone gives him a chance, and it’s tough to argue with his points.