Colin Kaepernick claims the NFL continues to block his professional return

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 2:35 PM

Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Colin Kaepernick claims the NFL continues to block his professional return
Summary

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick stated in an interview with NBC News that he believes the NFL is still actively blackballing him. The 38-year-old athlete, who has not played in the league since 2016, alleged that team owners and management colluded to prevent his signing following his protests against racial injustice. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has denied these claims of a deliberate exclusion. Kaepernick remains critical of the league's response to social justice initiatives, characterizing their efforts as performative. The NFL maintains that its social justice commitments are ongoing and notes it has contributed over $575 million to relevant efforts since 2017. Kaepernick is scheduled to release a memoir titled The Perilous Fight on September 15.

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By the Numbers
  • Colin Kaepernick claims NFL leadership blocked his attempts to sign with teams after 2016.
  • Roger Goodell has repeatedly denied that the league blackballed the quarterback.
  • Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL in 2017, resulting in a 2019 settlement.
  • The former 49ers player continues to train while pursuing other projects.
  • A memoir regarding his career and activism is scheduled for release on September 15.
Latest Updates
  • 2:35 PMYahoo SportsColin Kaepernick Says NFL Is Still Blackballing Him
What they're saying
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Still training at 38, Kaepernick points to his Super Bowl résumé and years outside the league as evidence he was deliberately shut out.

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