Former NFL QB Colin Kaepernick Announces Career News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Will Chesanek | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 6:59 PM ET

Colin Kaepernick played six seasons in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers, leading them to the Super Bowl during the 2013 season. The dual-threat quarterback threw for 302 yards and rushed for 62 against the Baltimore Ravens, leading an inspired second-half comeback that fell short, 34-31, at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Kaepernick was drafted by San Francisco in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft and spent his entire career in the Bay Area. Known for his athleticism and elite arm strength, he notably kneeled during the national anthem in an attempt to silently protest, which started a national controversy. The last time NFL fans saw the Nevada Wolfpack product in action was on Jan. 1, 2017, in a 25-23 loss to Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Superdome.© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In his six-year NFL career, Kaepernick played in 69 games, all with San Francisco. He completed 59.8% of his passes for 12,271 yards, 72 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. In addition, he ran for 2,300 yards on 6.1 yards per carry for 13 touchdowns.

He ended his career acrimoniously, filing a grievance against the NFL in 2017, accusing the league of blackballing him. This led to a lawsuit filed against the league in 2019, with attorney Mark Geragos representing Kaepernick. The NFL eventually settled with Kaepernick for just under $10 million.

After almost a decade since his last NFL game, Kaepernick announced on Instagram his latest career endeavor, authoring a book called "The Perilous Fight." Kaepernick has an extensive history in the world of books. He founded the publishing house "Kaepernick Publishing" in 2019 and has authored numerous works. This is the seventh book that Kaepernick has been involved with:

Different (2016) - By Colin Kaepernick
Abolition For The People (2021) - By Colin Kaepernick, coauthored by Eve L. Ewing
I Color Myself Different (2022) - By Colin Kaepernick, illustrated by Eric Wilkerson
Colin Kaepernick: Change the Game (Graphic Novel Memoir) (2023) - By Colin Kaepernick, coauthored by Eve L. Ewing, illustrated by Orlando Caicedo
Our History Has Always Been Contraband: In Defense of Black Studies (2023) - Edited by Colin Kaepernick, Robin D.G. Kelley, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor
We Are Free, You and Me (2024) - By Colin Kaepernick, coauthored by Nessa Diab, illustrated by Gladys Jose
The Perilous Fight (2026) - By Colin Kaepernick

"What would you sacrifice for what you believe in?" Kaepernick wrote on Instagram. "I gave up everything. And I’d do it again. THE PERILOUS FIGHT is the full story. The becoming, the moment, and what’s still left to fight for. The world has been telling my story for 10 years. It’s my turn. THE PERILOUS FIGHT. September 15, 2026. Order now at the link in my bio. @legacylitbooks @hachetteus @audible"

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The audiobook was produced by and will be released exclusively by Audible on Sept. 15 as well. Follow Kaepernick on Instagram for possible book signing dates across the country.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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