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Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick is an American former professional football quarterback and civil rights activist.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Colin Kaepernick is an American former professional football quarterback and civil rights activist. He played six seasons for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL) and became widely known in 2016 for kneeling during the U.S. national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality.

Early life and education

Colin Kaepernick was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1987 and was raised in California. He later attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where he played college football.

NFL career

Kaepernick was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011 and became their quarterback. He played six seasons with the team and helped lead them to Super Bowl XLVII after the 2012 season.

National anthem protests

Kaepernick drew national attention in 2016 when he protested during the national anthem by first sitting and then kneeling. He said the protest was aimed at racial inequality and police brutality in the United States.

Activism and public profile

After becoming a central figure in debates over race, protest, and sports, Kaepernick was widely described as a civil rights activist. Reference sources also note his continuing work in social activism beyond football.

Key facts

  • Colin Kaepernick played quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016.
  • He was selected by San Francisco in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
  • In 2016, he began kneeling during the U.S. national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality.
  • He played college football at the University of Nevada, Reno.
  • He is described as an activist and social activist.
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Canadian context

Kaepernick’s protests became part of broader North American debates about race, policing, and athlete activism, which were also discussed in Canadian media and public life.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Colin Kaepernick?
He is an American former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist best known for his protests against police brutality and racial inequality.
What team did Colin Kaepernick play for?
He played for the San Francisco 49ers for six seasons in the NFL.
What is Colin Kaepernick known for outside football?
He is known for activism, especially his 2016 national anthem protests against racial injustice and police brutality.
Where did Colin Kaepernick play college football?
He played college football at the University of Nevada, Reno.
When was Colin Kaepernick born?
He was born on November 3, 1987.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Kaepernick
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, NFL team, six-season tenure, and 2016 anthem protest.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Colin-Kaepernick
    Supports: Biography, birth details, NFL career, and anthem protest context.
  3. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/colin-kaepernick
    Supports: College football, activism, protests, and post-football public profile.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/bio/_/id/14001/colin-kaepernick
    Supports: Birthdate, college, draft position, and player identification.
  5. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/14001/colin-kaepernick
    Supports: Career statistics and NFL player profile.
  6. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Bowl_XLVII
    Supports: 49ers appearance in Super Bowl XLVII during Kaepernick's tenure.
  7. ISPO — https://www.ispo.com/en/heroes/colin-kaepernick
    Supports: Overview of career, protests, and activist role.