Kaepernick eventually filed a grievance against NFL team owners, who he believed had conspired not to hire him because of his protests, reaching a financial settlement in 2019. It was September 2016 when NFL star Kaepernick knelt during the US national anthem before a match as a peaceful protest against racial injustice and police brutality.
But while surveys suggest the vast majority of professional athletes intend to use their social media channels to raise awareness about racial injustice, external, he accepts the momentum behind athlete activism seems to have slowed in recent years.
That year, the NFL arranged a private workout for Kaepernick, but he chose not to attend, instead holding his own session elsewhere to allow media to be present.
He even suggested Kaepernick should find another country to live in, adding players who refused to stand for the national anthem should be fired.
Reports of discrimination received by the charity more than doubled in the past five years, reaching record levels last season.
"We also see this in broader movements, going well beyond costing someone their career, and costing people their lives.
"I did think about the protest going beyond the US and how that may show up in other countries.
Despite leading the 49ers to the 2013 Super Bowl, and throwing 16 touchdowns in his final season, one of the most talented quarterbacks in the sport never found a new team.