Colin Kaepernick has never been one to shy away from controversy, and his latest revelation is no exception. The former NFL quarterback, who hasn't taken a snap since 2016, is now openly admitting he's flipped his position on voting and the political process — but don't expect an apology for the about-face.
In his upcoming memoir, The Perilous Fight, Kaepernick details how his views have evolved since he famously sat out the 2016 presidential election, calling it 'hypocritical' to participate in a system he believed was fundamentally oppressive. Back then, he told reporters, 'The oppressor isn't going to allow you to vote your way out of your oppression.'
Now, at 38, Kaepernick sees things differently. He told NBC News that refusing to vote was 'irresponsible,' especially given the real-world consequences he's witnessed since. 'The realization coming out of the 2016 election is how significant the implications can be of not voting, even if you don't fully think this candidate represents you,' he said. 'We've seen it with the Supreme Court. We've seen it with federal judges.'
That shift in thinking has led him to cast ballots for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2020 and 2024, and to throw his support behind New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom he praises as a leader who 'prioritizes the people's needs.' Kaepernick credits his time in NYC with opening his eyes to the power of local politics, a lesson he's now eager to share.
But while his political evolution is clear, Kaepernick remains steadfast in his refusal to apologize for his earlier stance. He insists the change isn't a surrender but a strategic adjustment. 'Part of trying to seek the best way for us to move forward and have impact is also realizing the moments where the intention of the perspective was right, but the strategy behind it actually wasn't,' he explained.
This isn't the first time Kaepernick has drawn lines in the sand. He's still training daily for an NFL comeback, yet he refuses to watch the league, calling it 'blackballing' him and targeting his protesting peers. Instead, he's turned to college football, a choice that has sparked backlash from NFL fans who question his motives. His loyalty to the college game is unwavering, though.
Kaepernick's willingness to own his changing beliefs — without a hint of regret — is a hallmark of his public persona. It's the same defiance that made him a polarizing figure during his anthem protests, and it continues to fuel his activism today. Whether you agree with him or not, there's no denying he's committed to his principles, even when they evolve.
His memoir, set for release on September 15, promises to offer a deeper look into his journey, from NFL star to activist to political participant. For Kaepernick, the fight isn't over — it's just taking a new shape.
