NFL

'I can help you win' – Kaepernick eyes NFL return

By Sports Desk April 02, 2022

Colin Kaepernick has opened the door to an NFL return over five years after his last appearance, saying he "absolutely" possesses the quality to improve teams.

The 34-year-old, who made 12 appearances as the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback in his last NFL campaign in 2016, made headlines that year by opting to kneel for the United States' national anthem in protest against racial injustice and police brutality.

Kaepernick has been out of the league since then, but worked out in front of NFL scouts during the University of Michigan's Spring Game on Saturday.

Speaking to WXYZ Detroit, Kaepernick told potential suitors that he could help them to improve, and said he wants to hold conversations with any interested franchises.

"I can help make you a better team, I can help you win games," Kaepernick said.

"I know right now the situation likely won't allow me to come in and step into a starting role. I know I'll be able to work my way to that though, and show that very quickly.

"So, to the teams that have questions, more than anything I would say I'd love to come in for a workout. 

"I'd love to sit down with you and have that conversation about how I could help you be a better team."

Kaepernick filed a legal grievance against the NFL in 2017, accusing franchise owners opposed to his political and social activism of colluding to keep him out of the competition, with a settlement being reached in the case two years later.

He featured in two playoff campaigns during his time in San Francisco and is adamant that he retains the quality necessitated of an NFL quarterback, as he looks to whip up interest from scouts.

"Absolutely," Kaepernick responded when asked if he could still compete in the NFL.

"We can still get out there and sling it. Really getting out here today for the exhibition was to be able to show that I could do that.

"One of the questions that my agent kept getting asked was 'Well, it's been five years. Can he still play?'.

"So, we wanted to make sure that we come out, we show everyone I could still play, still throw it.

"I'm really just looking for an opportunity for a door to open, to have a pathway to be able to get back in there, get a starting job and lead a team to a championship."

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