Fans Blast WaPo for Calling Kaepernick 'Most Relevant' at Super Bowl LX

The struggling Washington Post faced criticism for an article claiming Colin Kaepernick was the 'most relevant' figure at the 2026 Super Bowl.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Washington Post published an article claiming that Colin Kaepernick, who has not played in the NFL since 2017, was the 'most relevant' figure at the 2026 Super Bowl. The article rehashed Kaepernick's 2016 protests during the national anthem, which have since faded from the public consciousness. The story was heavily criticized on social media, with fans blasting the Post for the claim.

Why it matters

Kaepernick's protests during the national anthem in 2016 were a major cultural and political flashpoint, but his relevance and influence have waned in the years since. The Washington Post's article suggesting he was the 'most relevant' figure at the 2026 Super Bowl was seen by many as an attempt to revive a narrative that no longer resonates with the public.

The details

The Washington Post article, written by Adam Kilgore, claimed that the 2026 Super Bowl would be 'played in his former home stadium, in the place where his protest made him a national lightning rod and a global symbol.' However, Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since 2017 and his protests are no longer a major part of the cultural conversation.

  • Colin Kaepernick last played in the NFL in 2017.

The players

Colin Kaepernick

A former NFL quarterback who gained national attention in 2016 for kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality.

The Washington Post

A major American newspaper that recently laid off its entire sports department.

Adam Kilgore

The Washington Post reporter who wrote the article claiming Kaepernick was the 'most relevant' figure at the 2026 Super Bowl.

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The takeaway

The Washington Post's article claiming Kaepernick was the 'most relevant' figure at the 2026 Super Bowl was seen by many as an attempt to revive a narrative that no longer resonates with the public, highlighting the newspaper's struggles to remain relevant in the current media landscape.