Could Turlock’s Colin Kaepernick be returning to the NFL after six years away?
Former Pitman High standout and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is one step closer to getting his shot at an NFL comeback.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that after six seasons out of the league, the 34-year old worked out for the Las Vegas Raiders this week.
Colin Kaepernick, who last played football in 2016, the same year he started kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, is scheduled to work out this week for the Las Vegas Raiders, league sources told ESPN.
More on NFL Live now. pic.twitter.com/zAuWybhILx— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 25, 2022
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed Kaepernick’s workout, saying it took place Wednesday, May 25.
Kaepernick, who grew up in Turlock and led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII, hasn’t played in an NFL game since the 2016 season. He was released at the end of the season and was not signed by a team during free agency.
During his final season in the league, he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality. In 2017, Kaepernick filed a grievance with the NFL, accusing it of colluding to blackball him. He eventually reached a settlement with the league.
During his time out of the NFL, Kaepernick has continued to fight against racial injustice and maintained his desire to get back into the NFL.
In recent months, the quarterback has held workouts wherever he could. He worked out with Seattle Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett and had a separate training session with Seahawks receiver Aaron Fuller and University of Washington running back Kamari Pleasant in March.
Colin Kaepernick worked out today with #Seahawks WR Aaron Fuller and UW RB Kamari Pleasant. This comes after he recently trained with Tyler Lockett.
Kaepernick says he has talked to the Seahawks and is hopeful the door opens.
(via @areedk5sports) pic.twitter.com/i1x14V5WzL— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 23, 2022
In early April, Kaepernick also threw passes in front of a large crowd at the University of Michigan’s Maize and Blue Spring Game.
Colin Kaepernick’s final pass today today at Michigan’s Maize and Blue Spring Game.
@BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/y9pvu3iGZC— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 2, 2022
In April, on the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast, he spoke with passion when talking about the possibility of making a comeback, saying he would be willing to come onto a team as a backup.
He also worked out with podcast hosts and former NFL wide receivers Chad Ochocinco and Brandon Marshall.
“I know I have to find my way back in,” he said. “So, yeah, if I have to come in as a backup, that’s fine.”
Rapoport reported on Kaepernick’s workout Thursday morning, ending his tweet with “The door is open…”
On Colin Kaepernick’s workout with the #Raiders: Sounds like it went well and he impressed. The door is open…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 26, 2022