Brett Favre compares Colin Kaepernick to Pat Tillman: 'Hero status will be stamped'

Colin Kaepernick is desperately trying to find his way back to the NFL after commissioner Roger Goodell condemned systemic racism, and while it's going to be difficult, he received some high praise from a Hall of Fame quarterback.

Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre discussed Kaepernick's situation with TMZ this week, saying he believes the former San Francisco 49ers QB will go down as a legend for what he's done to combat systemic racism ... even comparing him to someone inspirational:

"It's not easy for a guy his age — black or white, Hispanic, whatever — to stop something that you've always dreamed of doing, and put it on hold, maybe forever, for something that you believe in. I can only think of right off the top of my head, Pat Tillman is another guy that did something similar. And, we regard him as a hero. So, I'd assume that hero status will be stamped with Kaepernick as well."

Tillman left the NFL to fight for his country in the aftermath of 9/11 by joining the Army, so comparing Kaepernick to him is high praise from Favre. 

Favre also believes Kaepernick gave up a legitimate NFL career to fight for what he believes in, but that he can still be an effective quarterback today. 

Favre may be right too. Kaepernick has been training intensely for an NFL comeback this season and is "more motivated to play than ever," according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Kaepernick hasn't been on an NFL roster since the conclusion of the 2016 campaign, which was the same year he became a target of criticism for kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice.

After his stint with the 49ers came to a close, Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL, stating he was ousted from the league for his views on the sensitive situation, and it was eventually settled.

Kaepernick did attempt a comeback with a workout in Atlanta this past November, but it resulted in no offers being sent to the quarterback. His desire to return to the NFL spurs from the racial injustice protests following the death of George Floyd, and Kaepernick likely wants to be a leader in change around the league.