what happened to colin kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick has not returned to the NFL, and as of early 2026 he is still viewed as a former quarterback who remains interested in a comeback but has not secured a roster spot. He last played in 2016, then became a major public figure for kneeling during the national anthem in protest of police brutality and racial inequality.

What happened

After his 2016 season, Kaepernick became a free agent and went unsigned, which led to widespread debate about whether NFL teams were avoiding him because of his activism. He later filed a grievance against the league, and that case was settled confidentially in 2019.

Where he is now

Recent coverage says he is still training and says he wants another chance in the league, but the odds of a comeback look slim given how long he has been out of the NFL. At the same time, he has stayed in the public eye through activism and related projects, rather than as an active player.

Why people still talk about him

Kaepernick remains a symbolic figure in sports and politics because his protest changed how many people talk about athlete activism. That is why his name still trends whenever there is a quarterback opening, a major NFL event, or renewed debate about social justice in sports.

Fast timeline

Year| What happened
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2016| Last NFL season; began kneeling during the anthem 9.
2017| Became a free agent and was not signed 9.
2017-2019| Filed a grievance against the NFL; later settled confidentially 28.
2025-2026| Continued to say he is training and open to a comeback, but no return has happened 12.

In one line

He didn’t “disappear”; he became an out-of-football public figure whose NFL comeback never materialized, despite repeated interest and periodic rumors.