It’s been four long years since former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee. For those of us who are fans of the sport, this period has been a time of mourning. Many of us have asked, “How long has Colin Kaepernick been out of the NFL?”
Well, in truth, it’s been five years since Kaepernick was a part of the NFL. When he first chose to kneel in protest during the National Anthem to draw attention to the killings of unarmed African-Americans, it immediately sparked a firestorm of controversy and unleashed a whole wave of criticism. In the aftermath, he found himself out of a job, and has been unable to find another one in the NFL since.
At first, there was widespread confusion about why Kaepernick was out of the NFL. After all, he had been one of the top quarterbacks in the league only a few years before. People couldn’t understand why a man of his talent was suddenly out of a job. Even some current and former players spoke out in his defense, citing his hard work and dedication to the game.
In addition, many were quick to point out that Kaepernick’s protest was not meant to be a personal attack on the military, but rather a public stance against police brutality. This didn’t seem to matter, however, and he soon found himself without a team. Despite some interest from a handful of teams, he has still not been able to find a job in the league.
The story behind Colin Kaepernick’s absence from the NFL is one that reflects the larger systemic issues within the league. Despite the initiatives that the NFL has taken in recent years to address players protesting and to make sure the league is racially diverse, it’s clear that there is still a long way to go. Kaepernick’s situation only serves as a reminder of this, and raises the question of how the league can move forward in this regard.
In the years since Kaepernick has been out of the NFL, he has become a symbol of racial injustice. From powerful organizations to everyday fans, many have supported his cause and stand with him in solidarity. Athletes from all sports have been inspired to take a knee during the National Anthem in protest, and nationwide demonstrations have been held to show support.
This isn’t the first time in history that a prominent athlete has been blacklisted for taking on issues of racial injustice. Throughout history, there have been numerous stories of athletes who have paid a personal price in an effort to further the struggle for civil rights. As Kaepernick once said himself, “Love is at the root of our resistance.”
The fact that Kaepernick has been out of the NFL for this long speaks volumes about the state of the sport today. Players like Kaepernick, who dare to stand up for what they believe in, continue to face retribution. In the face of this adversity, it’s inspiring to see how people have been able to come together in support of Kaepernick’s cause.
This isn’t just an issue about sports, however. As challenging as it can be to get through this period of time, this story should remind us that our actions do have the power to make a difference. Kaepernick’s actions, as well as those of others, can help inspire people to come together to speak out against injustice and to fight for what is right.
Though the story of Kaepernick getting kicked out of the NFL has been a challenging one, in some ways it’s also been a powerful one. His courage to peacefully protest against racial injustice has made him an inspiring figure, and his legacy will likely live on for years to come. How long will he be out of the NFL? That’s a question I’m sure we’re all asking.
I think it’s important to note that what’s happened to Kaepernick isn’t just a story about sports or one athlete being kicked out of the league. It highlights several larger issues at play, giving us a glimpse into the state of the NFL today with regards to race and civil rights.
It often seems that we turn away from the real issues when it comes to sports. We become consumed in the games and in the statistics, but we forget that there is a much bigger picture. As fans, we should never forget that sports has the potential to make an impact not just on its participants, but on us all.
Now more than ever, it’s important to stand in solidarity with one another and to commit to making positive changes. We cannot let the injustices that have been done to Kaepernick pass us by. We must use this moment to be reminded of the importance of standing together and to fight for what’s right.
The activism of Colin Kaepernick has long been a rallying cry for many. He has always been willing to take a stand against injustice, and it seems to be a quality that he has passed down onto many of us.
I hope that someday we will see him take the field once again and have his story culminate in a triumphant ending. Until then, his absence should serve to remind us that we must continue the fight for progress, social justice, and equality. Even though it’s been five long years since we’ve seen him on the field, his message still resonates with us.