Colin Kaepernick made a direct pitch to NFL groups in want of a quarterback on Saturday:
“I can help you win games.”
The six-year NFL veteran who hasn’t performed within the league since 2016 was invited by his previous coach Jim Harbaugh to placed on a throwing exhibition at Michigan Stadium. With NFL scouts in attendance, Kaepernick showcased his arm at halftime of Michigan’s spring sport. Afterward, he and Harbaugh shared a hug.
Kaepernick then spoke with native and community media and made a direct enchantment for his return to the league. He “absolutely” believes he can nonetheless play at an NFL stage after a five-year absence from the league.
“Absolutely,” Kaepernick instructed WXYZ Detroit’s Jeanna Trotman. “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 can do that. It’s one of the questions my agent kept getting. It’s been five years. Can he still play?”
Kaepernick stated that his objective was to earn an NFL roster spot and in the end win a beginning job and a championship. His confidence has not wavered regardless of his lengthy layoff.
“I can help make you a better team,” Kaepernick stated of his message to NFL groups. “I can help you win games.
“I do know proper now, the scenario doubtless will not enable me to return in and step right into a beginning function. I do know I will have the ability to work my technique to that although and present that in a short time.”
Kaepernick also spoke with the Big Ten Network, reiterating that Saturday was about getting another NFL shot on a big stage.
“Coach Harbaugh, Michigan, the Wolverines against Racism allowed this to occur right now,” Kaepernick said. “Grateful that this is a chance that may result in that subsequent step and hopefully crack that door open so I can run via it.”
Will Kaepernick play in the NFL again?
Harbaugh traded up to draft Kaepernick in 2011 as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. The pair made a Super Bowl together after the 2012 season. Harbaugh has coached Michigan since his parting with the 49ers in 2015 and invited Kaepernick to throw passes on Saturday.
Kaepernick hasn’t performed since 2016 whereas being successfully blackballed from the NFL over his pregame protests of police brutality and racial injustice. The NFL shifted its public stance on protests within the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder by the hands of Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell declared in 2020 that “Black lives matter” and “we have been improper for not listening to NFL gamers earlier and encourage all to talk out and peacefully protest.”
Kaepernick, who threw for 72 touchdowns and 30 interceptions as a dynamic NFL quarterback who averaged 6.1 yards per carry, has remained without a job since Goodell’s declaration. He spent time this week around the Michigan team and made a good impression.
‘Dude’s got a rocket’
“Dude’s acquired a rocket,” quarterback Cade McNamara told reporters on Saturday. “He can sling it for certain.”
Offensive lineman Olu Oluwatimi said that Kaepernick “lit up the room” and that he has an “electrical arm.” Running back Blake Corum praised him as somebody “you need to deliver round your group.”
A number of quarterbacks have modified groups this offseason, together with Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns, Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos and Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts. Groups just like the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks stay out there for upgrades on the place with Sam Darnold and Drew Lock sitting atop their respective depth charts.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll confirmed last week that Kaepernick had reached out to the group, however that “conversations haven’t progressed.”
