We have absolutely no idea where Colin Kaepernick will be playing next season. The enigmatic quarterback will be a free agent next week after deciding to opt out of his contract.
The decision to test free agency is a tad odd considering Kaepernick himself is seen as a divisive figure, both on and off the field. After struggling through two disastrous seasons, he responded this past year by putting up 18 total touchdowns compared to four interceptions.
The backdrop itself was much more paramount to the potential interest Kaepernick will receive on the free agent market starting next week. This includes the national anthem protest Kaepernick started around the NFL world last summer.
It was one of the biggest stories during the season, one that included then presidential candidate Donald Trump and then President Barack Obama speaking out on the issue.
Now set to hit free agency, Kaepernick has reportedly decided he will stand for the national anthem next season.
“Colin Kaepernick will stand during the National Anthem next season, sources told ESPN on Thursday,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. “Kaepernick no longer wants the past method of protest to detract from the positive change that he believes has been created, per sources.”
That’s an amazing turnaround for the social activist. He was steadfast in his reasoning for protesting the anthem, indicating that police brutality and other race-related issues were holding back minorities in the United States.
While Kaepernick will surely continue his social activism, it appears that protesting the anthem by kneeling for it prior to games next season won’t be part of the process.