Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick stopped by The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to promote his new children’s book.
Kaepernick did talk about his playing days, of course. Specifically about his first year in the league, fully embracing the fact he was the backup quarterback behind Alex Smith.
“The first time I put my jersey on, I wasn’t playing, so it wasn’t as exciting,” Kaepernick said. “But then I got my chance on Monday Night Football. Alex Smith got hurt, I got a chance to start Monday Night Football against the Bears. And that moment, that feeling — there is no other feeling like it. Incredible.”
He played well enough to continue as the San Francisco 49ers quarterback and even lead the team to the Super Bowl that year.
Despite remaining unsigned after his controversial national anthem protests in 2016, he still dreams of returning to the NFL.
“Yes, I still carry all my training the same way I did when I was playing to make sure I’m ready at any given moment,” Kaepernick told Fallon. “I would never be in a position where they will call and I won’t be ready.”
Fallon brought up the fact that when you Google “Kaepernick,” he’s dubbed an “American civil rights activist.” A completely different job title than a football player.
Since his NFL days, Kaepernick has been heavily involved in social issues and bringing awareness. He founded many groups designed to elevate minorities in communities.
Breanna Stewart & Colin Kaepernick pic.twitter.com/UgeDZk2ReQ
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) October 2, 2024
Kaepernick, and his wife, Nessa Diab, wrote the children’s book, “We Are Free, You & Me,” inspired by their 2-year-old daughter, “but also inspired by the ten points of Know Your Rights Camp,” he said.
Know Your Rights is a camp founded by Kaepernick to raise awareness on a variety of issues, including how to properly interact with law enforcement in various scenarios.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.