From quarterback to civil rights icon

Colin Kaepernick showed athletic talent early on, playing basketball, baseball and American football as a child and teenager. He originally aspired to a career in baseball, but decided to play football in his early twenties. A good decision, as he already sets records during his time as quarterback for the “Wolf Pack” of the University of Nevada. He began his professional career in 2011 with the San Francisco 49ers, with whom he played in the Super Bowl in 2012 and the NFC Championship Game in 2013.

In addition to his athletic achievements, however, Kaepernick is best known for his commitment against racism and for the Black Lives Matter movement. At practice games in 2016, he initially remained seated during the national anthem, and on Sept. 1, 2016, he knelt during the anthem to protest systemic oppression and police violence in the United States. This action inspired many other athletes, but also had consequences: Kaepernick was dismissed from the team and could not return to the NFL until today. But Colin Kaepernick doesn’t let it get him down: Even off the football field, he continues to fight against the oppression of people of color and tirelessly campaigns for justice, equality and integrity.