Colin Kaepernick Reflects on His Protest and Upcoming Memoir

Colin Kaepernick continues to maintain a rigorous workout schedule, exercising most days at 4:30 a.m. Although his professional football career has concluded, he remains committed to his advocacy work. As the tenth anniversary approaches since he took a knee to protest against racism and police brutality, Kaepernick is re-entering the public eye. His memoir, "The Perilous Fight," is set to be released on September 15, 2026. In interviews with NBC News, Kaepernick discusses the impact of his protest and the challenges he faced since then. He emphasizes the importance of his role as a father, stating that it adds urgency to his advocacy efforts. Kaepernick expresses a desire for his daughter and others to understand that his fight for justice continues. He criticizes the NFL, stating that he has not watched a game since his departure from the league, citing ongoing issues with the organization. Kaepernick's protest began in August 2016, when he first sat during the national anthem, later transitioning to kneeling in solidarity with other activists. He recounts how his initial protest was influenced by his recovery period from surgeries, during which he engaged with literature on Black liberation. Kaepernick clarifies that it was his teammate Eric Reid who suggested kneeling as a form of protest, contrary to earlier reports attributing the idea to Army veteran Nate Boyer. The backlash to his actions was swift and severe, with fans expressing their discontent and public figures commenting on his stance. Kaepernick's memoir aims to provide a comprehensive account of his experiences and the ongoing fight for racial justice.