Colin Kaepernick to Publish Memoir 10 Years After Protest

The book will trace the former 49ers quarterback's roots in Turlock and reflect on his activism.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:22pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football player kneeling in protest, with a vibrant football field and stadium seating in the background, conceptually representing the lasting impact of Kaepernick's activism.A cubist interpretation of Colin Kaepernick's iconic protest, deconstructing the moment into a powerful visual metaphor for the lasting impact of his actions.Modesto Today

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick will release a memoir this fall titled 'The Perilous Fight,' reflecting on his life, activism, and the events that led to his national anthem protest and exit from the league. The book will explore Kaepernick's journey from growing up in Turlock, California to becoming a prominent civil rights activist.

Why it matters

Kaepernick's 2016 protest, where he kneeled during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality, became one of the most consequential and polarizing moments in modern sports. His story continues to resonate locally in the Modesto area, even as his impact extends far beyond football.

The details

The memoir, to be published on September 15, will be released by Legacy Lit, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, with an audiobook narrated by Kaepernick and released exclusively through Audible. Kaepernick has framed the book as a personal account, stating 'The world has been telling my story for ten years. It's my turn.' The memoir will explore Kaepernick's journey from childhood through his rise to the NFL and his emergence as a prominent civil rights activist.

  • Kaepernick first kneeled during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality.
  • The memoir 'The Perilous Fight' will be published on September 15, 2026, nearly 10 years after Kaepernick's initial protest.

The players

Colin Kaepernick

A former NFL quarterback who gained national attention for kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality. He will be publishing a memoir reflecting on his life and activism.

Pitman High School

The high school in Turlock, California that Kaepernick attended, where he developed into a standout multi-sport athlete before going on to star at the University of Nevada and the San Francisco 49ers.

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What they’re saying

“When I took a knee, it wasn't a sudden act. It was the result of years of becoming.”

— Colin Kaepernick

“The world has been telling my story for ten years. It's my turn.”

— Colin Kaepernick

What’s next

The memoir 'The Perilous Fight' is available for preorder and will be released on September 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Kaepernick's memoir will provide a personal account of the journey that led to his iconic national anthem protest, which became a defining moment in the ongoing fight for racial justice and civil rights. His story, rooted in the Turlock community, continues to resonate and inspire people around the world.