“Any calls for Colin Kaepernick to play quarterback again should be given the classic “who dis” response.”
The quarterback position is the single most important position in all of team sports. The performance of a quarterback sets the tone for winning. Find me a team that’s winning and has a chance to win it all, and you’ll easily find a high performing quarterback.
At any given time during an NFL season at least a dozen teams will be in the need for a starting quarterback. And that need is based on two very simple factors: health or performance.
Since last season there’s been one quarterback waiting for a call that will never be made. That quarterback would easily be an upgrade at starting quarterback for at least half of the National Football League’s 32 teams. Of course, I’m talking about Colin Kaepernick.
As someone who is a strong Kaepernick fan for both his playing abilities and being the originator of the recent NFL player protests, my opinion is different than most regarding his push and desire to re-enter the league. My position: (at this point) Kaepernick should not answer a call from a team considering to sign him.
To be clear, I fully support Kaepernick’s collusion lawsuit against the NFL. But for two simple reasons, I would rather not see him play again.
Health…
Back in 2015, Kaepernick had his season cut short due to injury. He still played in 2016 which was his last season in the NFL, but it was clear he hadn’t fully recovered. Kaepernick is still only 31 years old, ten years younger than starting quarterback Tom Brady. With almost two years away from football, the absence of the physical toll on his body should have him at 100 percent. But why risk any injury by lining up underneath center again? Those who may have a vendetta against Kaepernick, coaches and players, might embark on a targeting plan against Kaepernick to hurt him with a vicious hit. Just 6 years ago the Saints were exposed for Bountygate, which was a system under Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams where players were rewarded for injuring opposing players. Like I said, Kaepernick should not risk his health.
Legacy…
As of today, Kaepernick’s career spans six seasons that produced over 12,000 passing yards and 70 touchdowns. His numbers should remain intact to continue shaming NFL teams and give credence to his collision suit. Since the 2016 offseason, the quarterbacks signed to active rosters range from players who threw for as many yards as I did in college (spoiler I never played college football) to a guy who led his team to an 0-16 record. Yes, for the non-football fans reading this, that quarterback’s team didn’t win a game the entire season when he was the starting quarterback; yet, he was given another try.
Lastly, it will inevitably take some time to get used to the speed of the game, which could hinder his initial comeback. Kaepernick looks great in a t-shirt and shorts tossing the ball 50 yards, but there’s no simulating the speed of an NFL game. Every single incomplete pass, interception, fumble, failed 3rd conversion, etc., will be highlighted by his very large and influential enemies. I don’t want to give them the pleasure.
Kaepernick should continue what he’s doing… fighting his case and taking part in the social changes he kneeled for in the first place. His NFL history is written and remains respectable. Unlike his first career in the NFL, he totally controls his second career. And he won’t have to worry about wearing a helmet and shoulder pads to do it.