Colin Kaepernick got a sweet surprise when he learned that the NFL has opened up an opportunity for him to be evaluated by teams at a private workout over the weekend. During this session, teams will be able to assess his readiness to play professionally once again.
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On Tuesday, NFL clubs received two separate memos from the league stating that the free-agent quarterback would be available on this coming Saturday for a workout session in Atlanta. The teams were invited to check him out, and video record Kaepernick to judge whether he’s NFL-fit to hit the field, NFL.com reports.
Kaepernick’s been working out for the past three years to stay in shipshape.
In 2016, as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, he started a kneeling campaign to protest racial injustice throughout the country. During the singing of the National Anthem, he would peacefully take a knee on the field while the song was being sung. When his contract was being renegotiated, he opted out of that particular contract in 2017.
Unable to join another team, for what he believed was a concerted blacklisting because of his actions by league owners, he sued the NFL. After months of back and forth, he later settled an NFL collusion claim and now to his surprise, it seems they are ready to give him another go.
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“I’m just getting word from my representatives that the NFL league office reached out to them about a workout in Atlanta on Saturday. I’ve been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday,” Kaepernick tweeted.
I’m just getting word from my representatives that the NFL league office reached out to them about a workout in Atlanta on Saturday. I’ve been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday.
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) November 13, 2019
According to ESPN, one of the memos sent by the league, it states: “Earlier this year, we discussed some possible steps with his representatives and they recently emphasized his level of preparation and that he is ready to work out for clubs and be interviewed by them. We have therefore arranged this opportunity for him to work out, and for all clubs to have the opportunity to evaluate his current readiness and level of interest in resuming his NFL career.”
On Saturday, only half of the NFL team coaches and managers will be available to assess Kaepernick. Kaepernick’s reps wanted him to attend a Tuesday session when all general managers would be there. But the NFL reportedly said “no” to that request without offering any reason.
Most of the teams will reportedly be traveling on Saturday to games, according to the outlet.
Of the 32 teams that will be available to come and view Kaepernick, they didn’t know about the viewing opportunity until the memo was released, ESPN reports. Kaepernick’s representatives then inquired if there were any particular teams that asked for the workout, but the NFL league office said, “We can’t tell you that.”
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Now Kaepernick’s representatives are wondering if the workout session is a mere PR stunt by the league, sources told ESPN.
They also are asking for a list of NFL personnel, executives and coaches, who would be surveying Kaepernick’s workout to assess if it’s a legit opportunity.
The athlete turned activist was seen back in July working out with Odell Beckham Jr. at UCLA’s practice field.
He ready.
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