When it comes to football, I’ve never been particularly enthusiastic. Growing up in a household where my parents were sports fanatics, I often found myself stuck at home on Sundays, enduring endless games that felt more like a chore than a pastime. Out of all the sports, football was the one I truly couldn’t stand. Maybe it was because I hailed from a city with lackluster teams, but I never grasped the fervor surrounding the football season.
My disinterest carried over into my adult life, where I transitioned from living with my sports-crazed parents to dating someone equally obsessed. During our time with cable, I relinquished control of our TV for three nights a week—Monday, Thursday, and Sunday—just so he could immerse himself in game after game. Surprisingly, my indifference began to wane as I found myself cheering for specific players, trying to decipher the complexities of the game. (Full disclosure: I still don’t quite get it.) It was around 2012 that Colin Kaepernick emerged as a noteworthy quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
Initially, I wasn’t a fan of Kaepernick. I openly critiqued his pre- and post-game attire, often seeing him in a hoodie with Beats headphones slung around his neck while other players donned more polished looks. I perceived him as arrogant, convinced he didn’t take his responsibilities seriously. My disdain for him became a lighthearted jab between my dad and me, with him teasingly dubbing Kaepernick my “best friend.” I grouped him with the other players I couldn’t stand—overrated athletes, I thought. But then, a pivotal shift occurred, and my perspective began to change.
Kaepernick, who is biracial and raised by white adoptive parents, made headlines when he decided to kneel during the national anthem as a statement against a nation that perpetuates the oppression of Black individuals. This bold choice caught my attention in a profound way.
“I refuse to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. This is bigger than football; it would be selfish of me to remain silent,” Kaepernick stated.
His protest ignited a movement, inspiring athletes from various sports to join him in solidarity. Kaepernick cited the alarming number of killings of Black individuals at the hands of law enforcement as the catalyst for his decision. He committed to kneeling during every game of the 2016–2017 season and pledged to donate $1 million of his salary to charitable causes, disbursing $100,000 to various organizations over ten months. The backlash was intense, particularly from white football fans urging him to “just play the game”—an echo of sentiments that have been heard for decades.
Staying true to his word, Kaepernick knelt throughout the 2016–2017 season, and by October, he began fulfilling his donation pledge. To date, the Colin Kaepernick Foundation has contributed $400,000 to various charities, with a mission to combat oppression globally through education and activism. It has also launched the “Know Your Rights” camp, a free program for youth aimed at promoting awareness about higher education, self-empowerment, and effective interactions with law enforcement.
At the close of the football season in early 2017, Kaepernick generously donated his extensive collection of Nike sneakers, athletic gear, and clothing to multiple charities in the San Francisco Bay area. One such organization, the Dorothy Day House, provides essential services like community breakfasts and emergency housing for low-income individuals and families.
His Million Dollar Pledge
His Million Dollar Pledge is making a difference across the nation, with a focus on organizations in the San Francisco Bay area, including:
- Silicon Valley De-Bug (San Jose, CA): A collective dedicated to media, community organizing, and entrepreneurship, with funds aimed at supporting families affected by police-related violence.
- Causa Justa/Just Cause (Oakland and San Francisco, CA): Advocates for displaced Black, Latinx, and working-class families facing eviction.
- Mothers Against Police Brutality (Dallas, TX chapter): Provides training for first-response teams to assist families impacted by police violence.
- Black Veterans for Social Justice (Brooklyn, NY): Focuses on housing and job placement for veterans.
- Center for Reproductive Rights (New York, NY): Uses funds to advance global reproductive rights.
I’ll admit, I may have judged Colin Kaepernick too harshly at first. It’s increasingly rare to see someone in a high-profile position uphold their convictions, even at the risk of their career. Currently, Kaepernick faces uncertainty about being signed by another NFL team after his departure from the 49ers. Speculation swirls around factors like his vegan diet (seriously?) but the real issue is clear: Kaepernick refuses to conform to the expectation of “shut up and play ball” for the sake of white fans, even if it costs him millions.
His legacy transcends the realm of football; it embodies a more vital cause that challenges oppression and inspires change. For those interested in exploring similar themes, check out this insightful post on Cervical Insemination or consider exploring reputable retailers like Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits. For comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, Healthline serves as an excellent resource.
In summary, Colin Kaepernick’s actions have shifted the narrative around athlete activism and social justice, demonstrating the power of using one’s platform for meaningful change.