Free-agent NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick is partnering with Ben & Jerry’s to create a non-dairy ice cream dessert named “Change the Whirled” that will launch in early 2021.
Keeping in theme with his ongoing social justice advocacy, Kaepernick’s latest business venture is sure to delight his fans and those who enjoy alternatives to the typical sweet freezer food.
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Colin Kaepernick, Ben & Jerry’s to launch ‘Change the Whirled’
A tweet from Kaepernick confirmed this exciting development for ice cream enthusiasts, and Ben & Jerry’s followed up to express the company’s enthusiasm in partnering with the former San Francisco 49ers signal-caller:
As has been the case with his other efforts away from the gridiron, Kaepernick is tying his new commercial product more into advocacy work than anything else. His foundation, Know Your Rights Camp, will receive all the proceeds from “Change the Whirled” flavored ice cream, and Ben & Jerry’s will make a matching donation to Kaepernick’s organization on top of that.
Here are the flavor deals, as can be gleaned from the container: fudge chips, graham cracker swirls and chocolate cookie swirls with a non-dairy caramel flavored ice cream at the base.
Regardless of where you stand on Kaepernick, you have to admit: this is a pretty sweet deal, with noble intentions at heart. Other business opportunities have arisen for Kaepernick since he exited the NFL several years ago, having last played for the 49ers in 2016. Nike is one big company that’s stood by Kaepernick all this time, and not only did his shoe sell out on the first day it was available last year, but he’s also helped strengthen Nike’s overall brand, according to experts.
Related: Top NFL exec: Colin Kaepernick deserves chance to compete for a job
Colin Kaepernick stats, NFL controversy
It all started when Kaepernick knelt in protest during the national anthem for various racial justice issues in the United States. That act was a big factor in his ouster from pro football, because all on-field skills and numbers considered, the 33-year-old seems deserving of at least a backup QB gig. In his final season, Kaepernick was playing for a horrid San Francisco team with no supporting cast to speak of, yet he still managed a TD-to-INT ratio of 16-4 and ran for 468 yards and two more scores over the span of 12 games.
Kaepernick holds the single-game record for rushing yards by an NFL quarterback, with 181 in a playoff victory over Green Bay. He also guided the 49ers to a Super Bowl XLVII appearance and an NFC Championship Game the following year. For his 69-game career, Kaepernick has run for 2,300 yards and 13 touchdowns, and thrown for 12,271 yards on 7.3 yards per attempt (59.8% completion rate) with 72 touchdowns, 30 interceptions and an 88.9 passer rating.
Because he’s such a polarizing figure — at least in the eyes of NFL teams, namely owners — and would attract so much attention by joining a new team, even if the chance to return to football isn’t in the cards, Kaepernick is bound to continue shining a spotlight on issues of racism and social justice in America. Look no further than the collusion grievance he filed against the NFL, which has to be another contributing factor as to why he hasn’t suited up in almost four seasons.
It doesn’t seem like Kaepernick will get another shot in the NFL, although he’s continued to work out and prepare for an opportunity in the event he ever does get the call to return to the field.