Interesting Facts About Colin Kaepernick

Interesting Facts About Colin Kaepernick: Beyond the Kneel

Colin Kaepernick. The name alone evokes strong reactions, sparking heated debates and reigniting conversations about race, politics, and the role of athletes in society. Beyond the headlines and the controversies, lies a complex and compelling story of a gifted athlete who made a profound, albeit controversial, stand. This article delves beyond the surface-level narratives to uncover fascinating and lesser-known facts about Colin Kaepernick, offering a nuanced perspective on his life and career. Prepare to discover intriguing details about his athletic prowess, his activism, and the enduring legacy he’s created.

Early Life and Athletic Beginnings: From Turlock to Nevada

Kaepernick's journey wasn't a straight path to NFL stardom. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he moved to Turlock, California, with his mother at a young age. His athletic talent manifested early, showcasing versatility in both football and baseball. He excelled at both, earning all-league honors in football and even playing shortstop for his high school baseball team. However, it was his football prowess that ultimately led him to Nevada, where he would solidify his reputation as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. Few know the extent of his early dedication and the hurdles he overcame to reach college level. His dedication wasn't just about talent; it was about relentless hard work and a belief in himself that would later fuel his activism.

A Record-Breaking College Career: Rewriting the Nevada Wolf Pack History Books

Colin Kaepernick's college career at the University of Nevada, Reno was nothing short of spectacular. He shattered numerous school records, showcasing an unparalleled combination of arm strength, running ability, and leadership on the field. He led the Wolf Pack to multiple bowl appearances, leaving an indelible mark on the program's history. While many remember his NFL career, his dominance in college is often understated. This section will detail specific records broken, games that showcased his unique abilities, and the impact he had on the Nevada Wolf Pack football program. He didn't just play; he redefined what a quarterback could be.

The NFL Draft and the San Francisco 49ers: A Rise to Prominence

Despite being a relatively unknown prospect entering the NFL draft, Kaepernick's exceptional athleticism couldn't be ignored. The San Francisco 49ers took a gamble on him in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, a decision that would profoundly impact both the player and the team. His journey to becoming the 49ers starting quarterback, the challenges he faced, and the initial skepticism he encountered are all part of his compelling narrative. This wasn't just about being drafted; it was about proving doubters wrong and seizing an opportunity.

The Rise to Super Bowl XLVII: A Defining Moment

Kaepernick's rise within the 49ers was meteoric. He led the team to the NFC Championship game in 2012 and then to Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, showcasing his ability to perform under immense pressure. The Super Bowl, although ultimately a loss, solidified his status as a top-tier quarterback and a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. This section will discuss the strategic plays, the unforgettable moments, and the impact this appearance had on his career and public perception. He became a national figure, a symbol of hope for many, setting the stage for what would come next.

The National Anthem Protest and its Aftermath: A Controversial Stand

This is perhaps the most widely discussed aspect of Kaepernick’s life – his decision to kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice. This act ignited a firestorm of controversy, dividing public opinion and leading to significant consequences for his career. We'll explore the reasons behind his protest, the immediate and long-term repercussions, and the impact his actions have had on social discourse and the national conversation around racial inequality. This section delves into the complex issues he raised and the debate it sparked.

The Legal Battle and the Fight for Justice: Colin Kaepernick's Continued Activism

Following his protest, Kaepernick became a free agent and faced a prolonged struggle to find a new team, leading many to believe he was blackballed from the NFL due to his activism. He filed a grievance against the NFL, alleging collusion to keep him out of the league. The settlement was reached but the issues he raised continue to be central to the national conversation about race and equality, proving the significance and impact of his choice to kneel.

Post-NFL Career and Enduring Legacy: Philanthropy and Social Impact

Colin Kaepernick's influence extends far beyond the football field. He has established himself as a prominent activist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, using his platform to advocate for social justice and equality. His work with organizations combating racial injustice and his commitment to empowering marginalized communities are testaments to his dedication beyond the game. This section will explore his post-NFL ventures, his philanthropic efforts, and the lasting legacy he continues to build.

Article Outline:

I. Introduction: Hooking the reader and providing an overview of the article's content.

II. Early Life and Athletic Beginnings: Focusing on Kaepernick's childhood, high school career, and the transition to college football.

III. A Record-Breaking College Career: Detailing his achievements and impact at the University of Nevada, Reno.

IV. The NFL Draft and the San Francisco 49ers: Covering his entry into the NFL and his rise to prominence with the 49ers.

V. The Rise to Super Bowl XLVII: Discussing his performance in the Super Bowl and its significance.

VI. The National Anthem Protest and its Aftermath: A detailed analysis of the protest, its impact, and the resulting controversy.

VII. The Legal Battle and the Fight for Justice: Examining Kaepernick's grievance against the NFL and the subsequent settlement.

VIII. Post-NFL Career and Enduring Legacy: Exploring his philanthropic work and continued activism.

IX. Conclusion: Summarizing key takeaways and highlighting Kaepernick's lasting impact.


(The body of the article above fulfills the outline.)

FAQs:

1. What college did Colin Kaepernick attend? He attended the University of Nevada, Reno.
2. What position does Colin Kaepernick play? He played quarterback.
3. What year was Colin Kaepernick drafted into the NFL? He was drafted in 2011.
4. Why did Colin Kaepernick kneel during the national anthem? He knelt to protest police brutality and racial injustice.
5. What team did Colin Kaepernick play for in the NFL? Primarily the San Francisco 49ers.
6. Did Colin Kaepernick win a Super Bowl? No, he lost Super Bowl XLVII.
7. What is Colin Kaepernick doing now? He is involved in various activism and philanthropic endeavors.
8. Did Colin Kaepernick settle his collusion lawsuit against the NFL? Yes, he reached a settlement.
9. What is Colin Kaepernick’s current net worth? This is difficult to definitively state, as precise figures are not publicly available.

Related Articles:

1. Colin Kaepernick's Impact on Social Justice: This article would focus on the lasting impact of Kaepernick's activism on social justice movements.
2. The Economics of Colin Kaepernick's NFL Absence: An analysis of the financial implications of his absence from the league.
3. The Legal Aspects of Kaepernick's Collusion Case: A deeper dive into the legal proceedings and arguments.
4. Colin Kaepernick's Philanthropic Endeavors: A detailed look at his charitable work and social impact initiatives.
5. Comparing Kaepernick's Athleticism to Other NFL Quarterbacks: An analysis of his athletic abilities compared to other notable players.
6. The Public Opinion Shift Following Kaepernick's Protest: An exploration of how public perception evolved regarding his actions.
7. Colin Kaepernick's Role Models and Influences: An investigation into the figures who shaped his views and actions.
8. The Future of Colin Kaepernick's Activism: A speculative look at his potential future roles in social justice movements.
9. The Media's Portrayal of Colin Kaepernick: An examination of how different media outlets portrayed his actions and their impact.


  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Colin Kaepernick: Football Star Hubert Walker, 2021-01-01 This exciting book introduces readers to the life and career of football star Colin Kaepernick. Colorful spreads, fun facts, interesting sidebars, and a map of important places in his life make this a thrilling read for young sports fans.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: The Kaepernick Effect Dave Zirin, 2021-09-14 Riveting and inspiring first-person stories of how “taking a knee” triggered a political awakening among athletes of all ages and levels, from the celebrated sportswriter “With profiles of courage that leap of the page, Zirin uncovers a whole national movement of citizen-athletes fighting for racial justice.” —Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award–winning author of Stamped from the Beginning Hailed by Publishers Weekly in a starred review as “an enthralling look at the impact of peaceful protest by sports figures at the high school, college, and professional levels,” The Kaepernick Effect explores the story of how quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s simple act of “taking a knee” spread like wildfire throughout American society, becoming the preeminent public symbol of resistance to America’s persistent racial inequality. In this powerful book, critically acclaimed sports journalist and author Dave Zirin chronicles “the Kaepernick effect” for the first time, through “a riveting collection of first-person stories” (The Nation) from high school athletes and coaches, college stars and high-powered athletic directors, and professional athletes across many different sports—from Megan Rapinoe to Michael Bennett. In each case, he uncovers the fascinating explanations and motivations behind what became a mass political movement in sports. “Necessary reading for all, especially those who want to make a difference in promoting social justice, equity, and inclusion, and end police brutality” (Library Journal, starred review), The Kaepernick Effect is for anyone seeking to get involved in the new movement for racial justice in America: “Take a knee, everyone, and start a revolution” (Kirkus Reviews).
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Who Is Colin Kaepernick? Lakita Wilson, Who HQ, 2022-05-03 Learn about the inspiring life and career of professional football player and activist Colin Kaepernick in the new Who HQ Now format featuring newsmakers and trending topics. On August 14, 2016, NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began a protest when he refused to stand for the national anthem. He wanted to make a statement about the oppression of people of color in the United States after he had spent a summer speaking out against police brutality. After playing professional football for six seasons, that would become Colin Kaepernick's last season in the NFL, but he would go on to become one of the most prominent activists of today. Colin believed that speaking out against racism was far bigger than football, and other athletes agreed with him. Today, hundreds of athletes -- from high schools to professional teams -- still kneel during the national anthem to protest the treatment of people of color in America. Discover more about Colin Kaepernick's story in this addition to the New York Times bestselling series.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Colin Kaepernick Bill Redban, 2014-03-03 A brief biography of quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Colin Kaepernick: the Inspiring Story of One of Football's Greatest Quarterbacks Clayton Geoffreys, 2015-09-16 Learn the Incredible Story of San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In Colin Kaepernick: The Inspiring Story of One of Football's Greatest Quarterbacks, you'll read about the inspirational story of football's star, Colin Kaepernick. This short unauthorized biography of Colin Kaepernick highlights the greatest moments of his career. Colin Kaepernick risen one of the best young quarterbacks, holding several league records in rushing yards for quarterbacks in the post season. In this book, we'll explore Colin Kaepernick's journey to the NFL, as well as his impact on the game. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early Life High School Years College Years at University of Nevada Colin's NFL Career Colin Kaepernick's Legacy and Future An excerpt from the book: Colin Kaepernick continued to develop his overall athleticism by becoming a three-sport athlete at Pitman High School in Turlock. He played football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring. Two of the three would eventually become his standout sports.Kaepernick didn't have to do much as a quarterback at first. In fact, the Pride was known as a running team with a few powerful backs. In his game as a starter on September 9, 2004, Kaepernick only had five attempts with two completions - one of which was a 21-yard pass for a first quarter touchdown. But the team was led by junior-back Anthony Harding's 233 yards, and senior-back Mark Runyan's 117 yards as Pitman combined for 471 rushing yards in a 46-36 win at home against Kennedy High School (Sacramento).One week later, Kaepernick began to show how good of an arm he had when he went 14-for-20 for 203 yards and three touchdowns in a 19-7 victory over Johansen High School (Modesto) on September 17, 2004.The games would flip between whether the Pride would focus more on the rushing attack, or let Kaepernick have the opportunities to throw. His final numbers at the end of the season were 1,051 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Kaepernick helped the Pitman Pride to an 8-3 record in his junior season that ended on November 19, 2004 against West High School from Tracy, California - a state playoff game where they lost 35-21. Kaepernick was 14-for-27 for 171 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Tags: Colin Kaepernick, Eli Manning, Tom Brady, Andrew Luck, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, San Francisco 49ers, NFL books, football books
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Things That Make White People Uncomfortable Michael Bennett, Dave Zirin, 2019-09-03 Michael Bennett is a Super Bowl Champion, a three-time Pro Bowl defensive end, a fearless activist, a feminist, a grassroots philanthropist, an organizer, and a change maker. He's also one of the most scathingly humorous athletes on the planet, and he wants to make you uncomfortable. Bennett adds his unmistakable voice to discussions of racism and police violence, Black athletes and their relationship to powerful institutions like the NCAA and the NFL, the role of protest in history, and the responsibilities of athletes as role models to speak out against injustice. Following in the footsteps of activist-athletes from Muhammad Ali to Colin Kaepernick, Bennett demonstrates his outspoken leadership both on and off the field.Written with award-winning sportswriter and author Dave Zirin, Things that Make White People Uncomfortable is a sports book for our turbulent times, a memoir, and a manifesto as hilarious and engaging as it is illuminating.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Colin Kaepernick: NFL Phenom Paul Hoblin, 2013-08-15 Playmakers introduces young readers to their current heroes on and off the field. Colin Kaepernick: NFL Phenom summarizes Kaepernick's life and career to date and draws attention to accomplishments beyond his athletic skill as well as career highlights thus far. Short, informative sidebars add to the engaging, easy-to-read text, making Playmakers a hit for any reader in your library! Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Commodity Activism Roopali Mukherjee, Sarah Banet-Weiser, 2012-02 Buying (RED) products—from Gap T-shirts to Apple—to fight AIDS. Drinking a “Caring Cup” of coffee at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to support fair trade. Driving a Toyota Prius to fight global warming. All these commonplace activities point to a central feature of contemporary culture: the most common way we participate in social activism is by buying something. Roopali Mukherjee and Sarah Banet-Weiser have gathered an exemplary group of scholars to explore this new landscape through a series of case studies of “commodity activism.” Drawing from television, film, consumer activist campaigns, and cultures of celebrity and corporate patronage, the essays take up examples such as the Dove “Real Beauty” campaign, sex positive retail activism, ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover, and Angelina Jolie as multinational celebrity missionary. Exploring the complexities embedded in contemporary political activism, Commodity Activism reveals the workings of power and resistance as well as citizenship and subjectivity in the neoliberal era. Refusing to simply position politics in opposition to consumerism, this collection teases out the relationships between material cultures and political subjectivities, arguing that activism may itself be transforming into a branded commodity.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Hometown Victory Keanon Lowe, Justin Spizman, 2022-05-10 The Blindside meets Friday Night Lights in Keanon Lowe's Hometown Victory when an NFL coach returns home after losing a friend to coach a team of struggling high school kids on a 23-game losing streak. Keanon Lowe was working as an offensive analyst for the San Francisco 49ers when his childhood friend and former high school teammate suddenly died from an opioid overdose. Keanon dropped everything––including the plum NFL job he had been working towards since childhood––leading him to a position as football coach at a struggling high school back in his hometown. At the time, Parkrose High School was in the middle of a 23-game losing streak--they were the ultimate underdogs. In many ways, the road to Parkrose was paved by Keanon's life-defining experiences––from a childhood spent dodging racist bullies and finding the support and mentorship he craved on the football team, to an NFL season where he worked closely with Colin Kaepernick as he evolved his sideline protest. Keanon was drawn to the young men on the Parkrose team, and to the school itself. After two years, he pushed them to become conference champions, mentoring countless players along the way. But still, there was that nagging sense that his calling wasn't meant to stop there. He was at that school for a reason. In May 2019, he got his answer when a 19-year-old student entered a Parkrose classroom with a trench coat and shotgun. Keanon disarmed him and pulled the boy into a hug, telling him he cared. In the boy, Keanon saw himself, and the young men he grew up with or mentored along the way––and weren't so many of them just looking for acceptance, for comfort, for love? With the heart of favorite football classics––The Blindside, Friday Night Lights, Remember the Titans––Keanon’s journey at Parkrose is the true account of a life spent striving forward, even when faced with the unimaginable. Hometown Victory is a story about gratitude, service, and most of all, hope.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: 100 Things 49ers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die Daniel Brown, 2013 Whether a die-hard booster from the days of Joe Montana or a new supporter of Jim Harbaugh, these are the 100 things every San Francisco 49er fan needs to know, and do, in their lifetime. Inspired by and written for the devout 49er fan, this lively and detailed book explores important facts and figures from the teams storied history--from the early years of Y. A. Tittle to the teams golden era in the 1980s and 1990s featuring coaches Bill Walsh and George Seifert, Hall of Fame quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young, and star receiver Jerry Rice, to todays championship contender. From the most important facts about the team and the traditions that define what being a 49er fanatic is all about, this guide also highlights such essential experiences as the best places to eat near Candlestick Park.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Facts Don’t Care About Your Feelings Ben Shapiro, 2019-09-20 They say history repeats itself. We’ve got a lot of work to do to end up on the right side of it after Election Day 2020. This curated selection of columns is quintessential for any Ben Shapiro fan orskeptic. He offers a sharp, insightful reflection on American politics and culture over the last few years. Between elites who just can’t get down from their soapboxes, the left’s “thought fascism,” the rampant media, and more, the nation is in trouble. And if conservatives don’t act fast, they’ll get what they deserve . . .
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Pittsburgh Steelers Todd Kortemeier, 2016-08-15 This title introduces readers to the Pittsburgh Steelers, providing exciting details about today's stars and going deep inside the key moments of the team's history. The title also features informative fast facts, a timeline, and a glossary. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Critical Statistics Robert de Vries, 2018-09-26 Awarded the 2019 Most Promising New Textbook Award by the Textbook & Academic Authors Association. This accessible and entertaining new textbook provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the barrage of numbers encountered in their everyday lives and studies. Almost all the statistics in the news, on social media or in scientific reports are based on just a few core concepts, including measurement (ensuring we count the right thing), causation (determining whether one thing causes another) and sampling (using just a few people to understand a whole population). By explaining these concepts in plain language, without complex mathematics, this book prepares students to meet the statistical world head on and to begin their own quantitative research projects. Ideal for students facing statistical research for the first time, or for anyone interested in understanding more about the numbers in the news, this textbook helps students to see beyond the headlines and behind the numbers.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: The Heritage Howard Bryant, 2018-05-08 Following in the footsteps of Robeson, Ali, Robinson and others, today’s Black athletes re-engage with social issues and the meaning of American patriotism Named a best book of 2018 by Library Journal It used to be that politics and sports were as separate from one another as church and state. The ballfield was an escape from the world’s worst problems, top athletes were treated like heroes, and cheering for the home team was as easy and innocent as hot dogs and beer. “No news on the sports page” was a governing principle in newsrooms. That was then. Today, sports arenas have been transformed into staging grounds for American patriotism and the hero worship of law enforcement. Teams wear camouflage jerseys to honor those who serve; police officers throw out first pitches; soldiers surprise their families with homecomings at halftime. Sports and politics are decidedly entwined. But as journalist Howard Bryant reveals, this has always been more complicated for black athletes, who from the start, were committing a political act simply by being on the field. In fact, among all black employees in twentieth-century America, perhaps no other group had more outsized influence and power than ballplayers. The immense social responsibilities that came with the role is part of the black athletic heritage. It is a heritage built by the influence of the superstardom and radical politics of Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos through the 1960s; undermined by apolitical, corporate-friendly “transcenders of race,” O. J. Simpson, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods in the following decades; and reclaimed today by the likes of LeBron James, Colin Kaepernick, and Carmelo Anthony. The Heritage is the story of the rise, fall, and fervent return of the athlete-activist. Through deep research and interviews with some of sports’ best-known stars—including Kaepernick, David Ortiz, Charles Barkley, and Chris Webber—as well as members of law enforcement and the military, Bryant details the collision of post-9/11 sports in America and the politically engaged post-Ferguson black athlete.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: America's Game Michael MacCambridge, 2008-11-26 It’s difficult to imagine today—when the Super Bowl has virtually become a national holiday and the National Football League is the country’s dominant sports entity—but pro football was once a ramshackle afterthought on the margins of the American sports landscape. In the span of a single generation in postwar America, the game charted an extraordinary rise in popularity, becoming a smartly managed, keenly marketed sports entertainment colossus whose action is ideally suited to television and whose sensibilities perfectly fit the modern age. America’s Game traces pro football’s grand transformation, from the World War II years, when the NFL was fighting for its very existence, to the turbulent 1980s and 1990s, when labor disputes and off-field scandals shook the game to its core, and up to the sport’s present-day preeminence. A thoroughly entertaining account of the entire universe of professional football, from locker room to boardroom, from playing field to press box, this is an essential book for any fan of America’s favorite sport.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Republicans Buy Sneakers Too Clay Travis, 2018-09-25 National Bestseller! Sports media superstar Clay Travis wants to save sports from the social justice warriors seeking to turn them into another political battleground. Have you ever tuned into your favorite sports highlights show, only to find the talking heads yammering about the newest Trump tweets or what an athlete thinks about the second amendment? The way Clay Travis sees it, sports are barely about sports anymore. Whether it’s in the stadium or the studio, the conversation isn’t about who’s talented and who stinks. It’s about who said the right or wrong thing from the sidelines or on social media. And we know which side is playing referee in that game. Having ruined journalism and Hollywood, far left-wing activists have now turned to sports. Travis argues it’s time for right-thinking fans everywhere to put down their beers and reclaim their teams and their traditions. In Republicans Buy Sneakers, Too he replays the arguments he’s won and lays out all the battles ahead. His goal is simple: to make sports great again. Travis wants sports to remain the great equalizer and ultimate meritocracy—a passion that unites Americans of all races, genders, and creeds, providing an opportunity to find common ground and an escape from polarizing commentary. He takes readers through the recent politicization of sports, controversy by controversy and untalented-but-celebrated hero by hero, and skewers outlets like ESPN which spend more time mimicking MSNBC than covering sports. Travis hopes that if we can stop sports from being just another political battlefield, and return it to our common ground, we can come together as a country again.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Full Dissidence Howard Bryant, 2020-01-21 A bold and impassioned meditation on injustice in our country that punctures the illusion of a postracial America and reveals it as a place where authoritarianism looms large. Whether the issues are protest, labor, patriotism, or class division, it is clear that professional sports are no longer simply fun and games. Rather, the industry is a hotbed of fractures and inequities that reflect and even drive some of the most divisive issues in our country. The nine provocative and deeply personal essays in Full Dissidence confront the dangerous narratives that are shaping the current dialogue in sports and mainstream culture. The book is a reflection on a culture where African Americans continue to navigate the sharp edges of whiteness—as citizens who are always at risk of being told, often directly from the White House, to go back to where they came from. The topics Howard Bryant takes on include the player-owner relationship, the militarization of sports, the myth of integration, the erasure of black identity as a condition of success, and the kleptocracy that has forced America to ask itself if its beliefs of freedom and democracy are more than just words. In a time when authoritarianism is creeping into our lives and is being embraced in our politics, Full Dissidence will make us question the strength of the bonds we think we have with our fellow citizens, and it shows us why we must break from the malignant behaviors that have become normalized in everyday life.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: One Life Megan Rapinoe, Emma Brockes, 2020-11-10 An instant New York Times bestseller! “Rapinoe's 'signature pose' from the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup is synonymous to the feeling we got when finishing this book: heart full, arms wide and ready to take up space in this world.”—USA Today Megan Rapinoe, Olympic gold medalist and two-time Women's World Cup champion, reveals for the first time her life both on and off the field. Guided by her personal journey into social justice, brimming with humor, humanity, and joy, she urges all of us to ask ourselves, What will you do with your one life? Only four years old when she kicked her first soccer ball, Megan Rapinoe developed a love – and clear talent – for the game at a young age. But it was her parents who taught her that winning was much less important than how she lived her life. From childhood on, Rapinoe always did what she could to stand up for what was right—even if it meant going up against people who disagreed. In One Life, Megan Rapinoe invites readers on a remarkable journey, looking back on both her victories and her failures, and pulls back the curtain on events we know only from the headlines. After the 2011 World Cup, discouraged by how few athletes were open about their sexuality, Rapinoe decided to come out publicly as gay and use her platform to advocate for marriage equality. Recognizing the power she had to bring attention to critical issues, in 2016 she took a knee during the national anthem in solidarity with former NFL player Colin Kaepernick to protest racial injustice and police brutality—the first high-profile white athlete to do so. The backlash was immediate, but it couldn’t compare to the overwhelming support. Rapinoe became a force of change. Here for the first time, Rapinoe reflects upon some of the most pivotal moments in her life and career – from her realization in college that she was gay, through the disputes with soccer coaches and officials over her decision to kneel, to the first time she met her now-fiancé WNBA champion Sue Bird, and up through suing the US Soccer Federation over gender discrimination and equal pay. Throughout, Rapinoe makes clear the obligation we all have to speak up, and the impact each of us can have on our communities. Deeply personal and inspiring, One Life reveals that real, concrete change lies within all of us, and asks: If we all have the same resource—this one precious life, made up of the decisions we make every day—what are you going to do? One Life makes it clear that Rapinoe’s greatest accomplishments may ultimately come away from the soccer pitch. She’s a new kind of American hero.—San Francisco Chronicle
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Writings on the Wall Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Raymond Obstfeld, 2016-08-23 A New York Times and Washington Post Bestseller Bestselling author, basketball legend and cultural commentator Kareem Abdul-Jabbar explores the heart of issues that affect Americans today. Since retiring from professional basketball as the NBA's all-time leading scorer, six-time MVP, and Hall of Fame inductee, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has become a lauded observer of culture and society, a New York Times bestselling author, and a regular contributor to The Washington Post, TIME magazine and TIME.com. He now brings that keen insight to the fore in Writings on the Wall: Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black and White, his most incisive and important work of non-fiction in years. He uses his unique blend of erudition, street smarts and authentic experience in essays on the country's seemingly irreconcilable partisan divide - both racial and political, parenthood, and his own experiences as an athlete, African-American, and a Muslim. The book is not just a collection of expositions; he also offers keen assessments of and solutions to problems such as racism in sports while speaking candidly about his experiences on the court and off. Timed for publication as the nation debates whom to send to the White House, the combination of plain talk on issues, life lessons, and personal stories places Writings on the Wall squarely in the middle of the conversation, as many of Abdul-Jabbar's topics are at the top of the national agenda. Whether it is sparring with Donald Trump, within the pages of TIME magazine, or full-length features in the The New York Times Magazine, writers, critics, and readers have come to agree on what The Washington Post observed: Abdul-Jabbar has become a vital, dynamic and unorthodox cultural voice.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Against Football Steve Almond, 2014-08-26 A New York Times Best Seller “Powerful...an important read. —Publishers Weekly New York Times bestselling author Steve Almond takes on America’s biggest sacred cow: football In Against Football, Steve Almond details why, after forty years as a fan, he can no longer watch the game he still loves. Using a synthesis of memoir, reportage, and cultural critique, Almond asks a series of provocative questions: • Does our addiction to football foster a tolerance for violence, greed, racism, and homophobia? • What does it mean that our society has transmuted the intuitive physical joys of childhood—run, leap, throw, tackle—into a billion-dollar industry? • How did a sport that causes brain damage become such an important emblem for our institutions of higher learning? There has never been a book that exposes the dark underside of America’s favorite game with such searing candor.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Colin Kaepernick Eric Braun, 2019 Accessible biography about a very notable subject
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: We Will Win the Day Louis Moore, 2017-09-21 This exceedingly timely book looks at the history of black activist athletes and the important role of the black community in making sure fair play existed, not only in sports, but across U.S. society. Most books that focus on ties between sports, black athletes, and the Civil Rights Movement focus on specific issues or people. They discuss, for example, how baseball was integrated or tell the stories of individuals like Jackie Robinson or Muhammad Ali. This book approaches the topic differently. By examining the connection between sports, black athletes and the Civil Rights Movement overall, it puts the athletes and their stories into the proper context. Rather than romanticizing the stories and the men and women who lived them, it uses the roles these individuals played—or chose not to play—to illuminate the complexities and nuances in the relationship between black athletes and the fight for racial equality. Arranged thematically, the book starts with Jackie Robinson's entry into baseball when he signed with the Dodgers in 1945 and ends with the revolt of black athletes in the late 1960s, symbolized by Tommie Smith and John Carlos famously raising their clenched fists during a medal ceremony at the 1968 Olympics. Accounts from the black press and the athletes themselves help illustrate the role black athletes played in the Civil Rights Movement. At the same time, the book also examines how the black public viewed sports and the contributions of black athletes during these tumultuous decades, showing how the black communities' belief in merit and democracy—combined with black athletic success—influenced the push for civil rights.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Kansas City Chiefs Todd Kortemeier, 2017 Introduces readers to the Kansas City Chiefs, providing exciting details about today's stars and going deep inside the key moments of the team's history. The title also features informative fast facts, a timeline, and a glossary.--Publisher's description.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: I Color Myself Different Colin Kaepernick, 2022-04-05 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER An inspiring story of identity and self-esteem from celebrated athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick. When Colin Kaepernick was five years old, he was given a simple school assignment: draw a picture of yourself and your family. What young Colin does next with his brown crayon changes his whole world and worldview, providing a valuable lesson on embracing and celebrating his Black identity through the power of radical self-love and knowing your inherent worth. I Color Myself Different is a joyful ode to Black and Brown lives based on real events in young Colin's life that is perfect for every reader's bookshelf. It's a story of self-discovery, staying true to one's self, and advocating for change... even when you're very little!
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Chasing King's Killer James L. Swanson, 2018-01-02 An astonishing account of the assassination of America's most beloved and celebrated civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, by New York Times–bestselling author, James L. Swanson. NAACP Image Award Nominee Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book of the Year* [James L. Swanson's] masterful work . . . reveals, in gripping style, how one individual can impact history. —Booklist, starred review In his meteoric, thirteen-year rise to fame, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a mass movement for Civil Rights—with his relentless peaceful, non-violent protests, public demonstrations, and eloquent speeches. But as violent threats cast a dark shadow over Dr. King's life, Swanson hones in on James Earl Ray, a bizarre, racist, prison escapee who tragically ends King's life. As he did in his bestselling Scholastic MG/YA books Chasing LIncoln's Killer and THE PRESIDENT HAS BEEN SHOT!, Swanson transports readers back to one of the most shocking, sad, and terrifying events in American history. More than eighty photographs, captions, bibliography, various source notes, and index included.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Jamie Bestwick Matt Scheff, 2014 Introduces Jamie Bestwick, the 42 year old BMX riding legend who was a master on the vert at the X Games.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Don't Burn This Book Dave Rubin, 2020-04-28 The Progressive Woke Machine—from outrage mobs and online censorship to activists masquerading as journalists—is waging war against the last free thinkers in the world. This book is both an explanation of the current political upheaval and your guide to surviving it. America, and the West in general, is in the midst of an identity crisis that's headed towards an outright revolution. The progressive left, once the advocates of free expression and individual autonomy, now undermine these values at every turn. This uncomfortable truth has turned moderates and true liberals into the politically homeless class. In response, Dave Rubin launched his political talk show The Rubin Report in 2015 as a laboratory for anyone trying to make sense of our shifting political landscape. He discusses the most controversial issues of the day with people he both agrees and disagrees with, including those who have been dismissed, deplatformed, and even despised before they've had a chance to speak for themselves. Based on his own story as well as his experiences from the front lines of the free speech wars, this book will inspire you to make up your own mind about what you believe on any issue, and show you how to: * Check your facts, not your privilege: No matter your gender, economic class, or level of education, you're still allowed to have opinions (for now!). Rubin separates facts from feelings, dispelling today's most pervasive myths, like the wage gap, gun violence, racism, affirmative action, climate change, hate crimes, and more. * Learn to stand your ground: A difference of opinion should not be a deal-breaker for any relationship, professional or personal. Sadly, these days, it often is. Rubin will show you that losing a few friends is a small price to pay for standing up for what you believe in--and why choosing an authentic path is ultimately worth it. * Defend liberalism while you still can: Time is running out to defend individual rights, limited government, and free expression. Rubin provides a roadmap for true classically liberal principles regardless of your party affiliation, and shows you why freedom is impossible without them. Don't Burn This Book empowers you with time-tested and common-sense principles that can turn the tide against authoritarians on both sides in this increasingly polarized world. This book is a rallying cry for anyone who wants to live freely, which is quickly becoming the most radical belief you could have.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man Emmanuel Acho, 2020-11-10 INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER An urgent primer on race and racism, from the host of the viral hit video series “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” “You cannot fix a problem you do not know you have.” So begins Emmanuel Acho in his essential guide to the truths Americans need to know to address the systemic racism that has recently electrified protests in all fifty states. “There is a fix,” Acho says. “But in order to access it, we’re going to have to have some uncomfortable conversations.” In Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man, Acho takes on all the questions, large and small, insensitive and taboo, many white Americans are afraid to ask—yet which all Americans need the answers to, now more than ever. With the same open-hearted generosity that has made his video series a phenomenon, Acho explains the vital core of such fraught concepts as white privilege, cultural appropriation, and “reverse racism.” In his own words, he provides a space of compassion and understanding in a discussion that can lack both. He asks only for the reader’s curiosity—but along the way, he will galvanize all of us to join the antiracist fight.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Stuff That Needs To Be Said John Pavlovitz, 2020-04-22 Over the past few years, John Pavlovitz's blog, Stuff That Needs To Be Said, has become a virtual hub for millions of people from all over the world, drawn there by his clear, compelling words on compassion, equity, love, and justice. This expansive, like-hearted community transcends race, orientation, gender, religious tradition, political affiliation, and nation of origin--and finds its affinity in the deeper place of our shared humanity, which is the True North of his writing. This collection lovingly pulls together some of John's most widely-read and most beloved essays on faith, politics, grief, and the elemental parts of being human. It is an encouraging, inspiring, challenging storehouse of stuff that needs to be said.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Ali Jonathan Eig, 2017 Based on more than 500 interviews, including Muhammad Ali's closest associates, and enhanced by access to thousands of pages of newly released FBI records, this is a thrilling story of a man who became one of the great figures of the twentieth century.​
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Fake News and the Factories That Make It Kristina Lyn Heitkamp, 2018-12-15 Once on the fringe, fake news has become mainstream. From bogus social media accounts to Russian troll factories, phony news muddies the social and political discourse, and is a threat to our democracy. This high-interest book defines fake news and reveals the people behind the spread of disinformation. This text directly correlates with state journalism standards about developing media literacy. Readers will also glimpse the future of fake news and the alarming technologies used to make it, such as face-morphing technology. This book will help readers navigate the messy world of fake news.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: They Called Us Enemy - Expanded Edition George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, 2020-08-26 The New York Times bestselling graphic memoir from actor/author/activist George Takei returns in a deluxe edition with 16 pages of bonus material! Experience the forces that shaped an American icon -- and America itself -- in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love. George Takei has captured hearts and minds worldwide with his magnetic performances, sharp wit, and outspoken commitment to equal rights. But long before he braved new frontiers in STAR TREK, he woke up as a four-year-old boy to find his own birth country at war with his father's -- and their entire family forced from their home into an uncertain future. In 1942, at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped to one of ten relocation centers, hundreds or thousands of miles from home, where they would be held for years under armed guard. THEY CALLED US ENEMY is Takei's firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the terrors and small joys of childhood in the shadow of legalized racism, his mother's hard choices, his father's tested faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future. What does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide? George Takei joins cowriters Justin Eisinger & Steven Scott and artist Harmony Becker for the journey of a lifetime.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Debunking Howard Zinn Mary Grabar, 2019-08-20 Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States has sold more than 2.5 million copies. It is pushed by Hollywood celebrities, defended by university professors who know better, and assigned in high school and college classrooms to teach students that American history is nothing more than a litany of oppression, slavery, and exploitation. Zinn’s history is popular, but it is also massively wrong. Scholar Mary Grabar exposes just how wrong in her stunning new book Debunking Howard Zinn, which demolishes Zinn’s Marxist talking points that now dominate American education. In Debunking Howard Zinn, you’ll learn, contra Zinn: How Columbus was not a genocidal maniac, and was, in fact, a defender of Indians Why the American Indians were not feminist-communist sexual revolutionaries ahead of their time How the United States was founded to protect liberty, not white males’ ill-gotten wealth Why Americans of the “Greatest Generation” were not the equivalent of Nazi war criminals How the Viet Cong were not well-meaning community leaders advocating for local self-rule Why the Black Panthers were not civil rights leaders Grabar also reveals Zinn’s bag of dishonest rhetorical tricks: his slavish reliance on partisan history, explicit rejection of historical balance, and selective quotation of sources to make them say the exact opposite of what their authors intended. If you care about America’s past—and our future—you need this book.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Better Than Good Hair Nikki Walton, Ernessa T. Carter, 2013-01-29 The fresh new handbook on how to achieve and maintain stylish natural hair, from the savviest and most revered expert on coils and curls These days there's a revolution going on. Relaxers are out. Weaves are so yesterday. Tired of damage from expensive chemical treatments and artificial enhancers, women of color are going natural thanks to Nikki Walton of CurlyNikki.com, the natural hair blogger and online hair therapy expert. In Better Than Good Hair, this gifted curl whisperer educates women on how to transition from relaxed to completely natural hair, with advice and styles for every length—from Fierce Braid-and-Curls to Fancy Faux Buns. She also counsels those considering the big chop—cutting it all off at once to sport a bold and beautiful teeny weeny afro. Here, too, is essential guidance for parents of mixed-race children dealing with new and unfamiliar hair textures and styles. Combining Walton's expansive knowledge with tips from other experts in the field, Better Than Good Hair includes: Product recommendations Home hair care recipes Advice for parents on how to manage their children's natural hair Tips for using henna on gray hair Guidance on dealing with detractors Step-by-step illustrated directions for nearly two dozen hairdos, from frohawks to twist-outs Full of indispensable information, as empowering as it is accessible, and with a foreword by actress and comedian Kim Wayans, Better Than Good Hair is a must-have natural hair care bible that will help women of all ages and styles achieve their natural beauty.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Aaron Rodgers Clayton Geoffreys, 2015-07-05 In Aaron Rodgers: The inspiring story of one of football's greatest Quarterbacks, you'll read about he inspirational story of football's star, Aaron Rodgers. This short unauthorized biography of Aaron Rodgers highlights the greatest moments of his career since starting in the league as the backup to the great Brett Favre. Aaron Rodgers remains on of the most effective quarterbacks to play professional football, and an inspiring leader for the Packers. In this book, we'll explore Aaron Rodger's journey to the NFL, as well as his impact on the game.--Cover.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Beyond Hashtag Activism Mae Elise Cannon, 2020-05-26 The world is not as God intends it to be. But complex problems warrant more attention than quick posts on social media. How can we actually make a difference? Helping us accomplish change through a range of strategic avenues, activist Mae Elise Cannon shows us how to channel our passions to care effectively for our neighbor and the world.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Why We Kneel How We Rise Michael Holding, 2021-06-24 WINNER OF THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR PRIZE 2021 WINNER OF THE SUNDAY TIMES SPORTS BOOK AWARDS BOOK OF THE YEAR THE TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR THE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'The best book about racism I’ve ever read' Piers Morgan Through the prism of sport and conversations with its legends, including Usain Bolt, Adam Goodes, Thierry Henry, Michael Johnson, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Makhaya Ntini, Naomi Osaka and Hope Powell, Michael Holding explains how racism dehumanises people; how it works to achieve that end; how it has been ignored by history and historians; and what it is like to be treated differently just because of the colour of your skin. Rarely can a rain delay in a cricket match have led to anything like the moment when Holding spoke out in the wake of the #BlackLivesMatter protests about the racism he has suffered and has seen all around him throughout his life. But as he spoke, he sought not only to educate but to propose a way forward that inspired so many. Within minutes, he was receiving calls from famous sports stars from around the world offering to help him to spread the message further. Now, in Why We Kneel, How We Rise, Holding shares his story together with those of some of the most iconic athletes in the world. He delivers a powerful and inspiring message of hope for the future and a vision for change, and takes you through history to understand the racism of today. He adds: 'To say I was surprised at the volume of positive feedback I received from around the world after my comments on Sky Sports is an understatement. I came to realise I couldn’t just stop there; I had to take it forward – hence the book, as I believe education is the way forward.'
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Hail to the Redskins Adam Lazarus, 2015-09-01 At last, the definitive account of the Washington Football Team's championship decade. A must-read for any fan, Hail to the Redskins is full of interviews with key inside sources to vividly re-create the plays, the players, the fans, and the opponents that shaped this unforgettable football dynasty. Based on more than ninety original interviews, here is the rollicking chronicle of the famed Washington Football Teams of the Joe Gibbs years—one of the most remarkable and unique runs in NFL history. From 1981 to 1992, Gibbs coached the franchise to three Super Bowl victories, making the team the toast of the nation’s capital, from the political elite to the inner city, and helping to define one of the sport’s legendary eras. Veteran sportswriter Adam Lazarus masterfully charts the Washington Football Team's rise from mediocrity (the franchise had never won a Super Bowl and Gibbs’s first year as head coach started with a five-game losing streak that almost cost him his job) to its stretch of four championship games in ten years. What makes their sustained success all the more remarkable, in retrospect, is that unlike the storied championship wins of Joe Montana’s 49ers and Tom Brady’s Patriots, the Washington Football Team's Super Bowl victories each featured a different starting quarterback: Joe Theismann in 1983, the franchise’s surprising first championship run; Doug Williams in 1988, a win full of meaning for a majority African American city during a tumultuous era; and Mark Rypien in 1992, capping one of the greatest seasons of all time, one that stands as Gibbs’s masterpiece. Hail to the Redskins features an epic roster of saints and sinners: hard-drinking fullback John Riggins; the dominant, blue-collar offensive linemen known as “the Hogs,” who became a cultural phenomenon; quarterbacks Williams, the first African American QB to win a Super Bowl, and Theisman, a model-handsome pitchman whose leg was brutally broken by Lawrence Taylor on Monday Night Football; gregarious defensive end Dexter Manley, who would be banned from the league for cocaine abuse; and others including the legendary speedster Darrell Green, record-breaking receiver Art Monk, rags-to-riches QB Rypien, expert general managers and talent evaluators Bobby Beathard and Charley Casserly, aristocratic owner Jack Kent Cooke, and, of course, Gibbs himself, a devout Christian who was also a ruthless competitor and one of the sport’s most adaptable and creative coaching minds.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: From Big Data to Intelligent Data Fady A. Harfoush, 2021-06-26 This book addresses many of the gaps in how industry and academia are currently tackling problems associated with big data. It introduces novel concepts, describes the end-to-end process, and connects the various pieces of the puzzle to offer a holistic view. In addition, it explains important concepts for a wide audience, using accessible language, diagrams, examples and analogies to do so. The book is intended for readers working in industry who want to expand their knowledge or pursue a related degree, and employs an industry-centered perspective.
  interesting facts about colin kaepernick: Pro Football and the Proliferation of Protest Stephen D. Perry, 2019-03-20 Pro Football and the Proliferation of Protest: Anthem Kneeling and Standing in a Divided America examines the take-a-knee NFL protests, a trend that has led to deep political divisiveness in America. The author explores this phenomenon by incorporating analysis of media coverage, impact on attitudes and behaviors, and racial, religious, gendered, and political perspectives. The analysis allows readers to recognize both positive and negative prejudice and to proscribe possible solutions for political divisiveness. Protesting, anthems, ceremonies, and media coverage all demonstrate that this issue is a communication issue. This book examines the voices on both sides of the kneeling controversy in order to uncover the points at which one side is communicating and the other side refuses to listen. The studies in this volume look at the protest through four lenses: historically, through media coverage , through impact on public behaviors and attitudes, and from racial, religious, gendered, and political identification perspectives. The contributors worked in conjunction with one another, incorporating different viewpoints into each chapter as they were completed. All studies were conducted under the guidance of the book’s editor to separate the work effectively and to end in a set of voices that complement each other and allow for overall conclusions and recommendations. This book is useful for a wide range of scholars including race, religion, political studies, gender studies, and communication studies.