Colin Kaepernick Does Not Need the NFL
Two things happened on March 9, 2017. The hip hop world reverently observed the 20-year resting anniversary of rap legend Biggie Smalls, and all eyes centered on the NFL and Colin Kaepernick’s job search as free agency officially began.
Since then, the mis-unemployment of Kaepernick has been the league’s peskiest storyline. Team owners cowered under alleged fan “pressure.” Michael Vick offered grooming tips. Christopher “Kid” Reid apologized. Ray Lewis tried to cover up (again).
But also, Jay-Z and Chris Rock both have expressed public support of Kaepernick in the past week. Current NFL stars like Aaron Rodgers and Richard Sherman have agreed that he should be signed. The NFLPA named Kaepernick Week 1 Community MVP for his outreach efforts.
The team owners’ open secret of blackballing may have been an attempt to deter future “disruptive acts,” but it inadvertently bolted Kaepernick into status as the most important activist in sports history while creating a masscult for the media.
And every NFL week that Kaepernick remains unemployed, his legend grows. His jerseys have become political statements, much like “X” hats in the 90’s. Every qualified day out of work, he represents an example of “living, black manhood” in America by serving as a reminder that freedom has its consequences.
And though he recently expressed his readiness to play, at this point, Kaepernick doesn’t need the NFL. In fact, critics could argue that returning to league could be counterproductive to his ongoing efforts, and agreeing to stand during the national anthem could be framed as an apologetic gesture. But chastising someone for fulfilling their childhood dream should be beyond everyone. Especially if a dream is postponed for exercising a right. Especially in America.
Whether he’s on a team’s roster in the coming weeks or not, the damage is already done. Often nicknamed the “No Fun League,” in the eyes of many, the NFL is now also the “No Freedom League.” Efforts like those of writer/activist Shaun King with calls (and actions) of NFL boycotts and the reasons for such will not be forgotten. The league and its reputation is forever blemished for many fans.
If team owners could see the forest through the trees, they would realize that Americans’ addiction to entertainment would soon outlast any “outrage” from detractors. The irony of Kaepernick being on a team and possibly helping it win while maybe salvaging what’s left of the league’s PR is not lost. All the while, the league still benefits in many ways from Kaepernick headlines and those jerseys. So no, the Super Bowl-appearing quarterback does not need the NFL. But he wants a job, and the NFL sure could use him.
