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Colin Kaepernick to Release Memoir a Decade After Kneeling Controversy
The former 49ers quarterback will reflect on his life and the events that led to his exile from the NFL.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:13pm by Ben Kaplan
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Ten years after he first took a knee during the national anthem, sparking a national debate, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has announced plans to release a memoir detailing his life story and the events that led to his exile from the NFL.
Why it matters
Kaepernick's kneeling protest during the national anthem in 2016 became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over racial injustice and police brutality in the United States. His subsequent departure from the NFL raised questions about the league's handling of political activism by players.
The details
Kaepernick, who has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season, will release the memoir in 2026, marking a decade since his initial protest. The book is expected to provide Kaepernick's firsthand account of the events that led to his departure from the league and the broader social and political implications of his actions.
- Kaepernick first took a knee during the national anthem in 2016.
- Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season.
- The memoir is scheduled for release in 2026, ten years after Kaepernick's initial protest.
The players
Colin Kaepernick
A former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers who gained national attention for kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality.
San Francisco 49ers
The NFL team for which Kaepernick played as a quarterback from 2011 to 2016.
What they’re saying
“I'm excited to share my story and the events that led me to this point in my life. My goal is to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the issues I've championed and the impact they've had on my career and personal life.”
— Colin Kaepernick
What’s next
The memoir is expected to be a highly anticipated release, with many fans and critics eager to hear Kaepernick's perspective on the events that led to his departure from the NFL and the lasting impact of his protest.
The takeaway
Kaepernick's memoir will provide a firsthand account of the controversial events that defined his NFL career and sparked a national conversation about social justice and the role of athletes in political activism.
