Colin Kaepernick is launching another effort to generate interest in his services from NFL teams — and notably, he has the backing of the league itself to do it.
Kaepernick will hold a private workout on Saturday, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback will do on-field work and make himself available for an interview. All 32 NFL teams have been invited to attend.
Most notably, the showcase has been set up by the NFL itself, demonstrating that the league is taking a somewhat active role in granting Kaepernick the opportunity to show he’s worthy of another chance.
NFL clubs were informed today that a private workout will be held for Colin Kaepernick on Saturday in Atlanta. Session will include on-field work and an interview. All clubs are invited to attend, and video of both the workout and interview will be made available to clubs.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 12, 2019
The NFL arranged this workout opportunity for Colin Kaepernick, and teams will have the opportunity to evaluate his readiness and level of interest in resuming his NFL career. His agents have said he wants to return to the NFL, and the league hopes this provides that chance.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 12, 2019
Kaepernick, who just turned 32 earlier this month, has not played in the NFL since 2016. There has been widespread belief that the quarterback has been blackballed from the league due to his decision to kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality. The fact that the NFL is arranging this workout suggests that the league itself would be happy to see him play again, even if teams may still shy away from signing him due to potential fan outcry.
In September, Kaepernick was described as being in the best shape of his life. Now he will get a chance to show it in a rather high-profile environment with the backing of the league.
