A local politician wants the Patriots to sign Colin Kaepernick. Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA

Mass. congressman wants Patriots to sign Colin Kaepernick

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/10/20

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick wants to return to the NFL, according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, and he's reportedly in great shape to do so.

The 32-year-old is said to be "more motivated to play than ever" in the NFL, Florio adds, and it comes after league commissioner Roger Goodell finally condemned racism and promoted peaceful protesting of racial injustice.

While Goodell didn't apologize to Kaepernick directly for his ousting from the league due to peacefully protesting racial injustice during the national anthem, many are calling for him to do so and to even sign the quarterback to a deal.

Massachusetts congressman Joe Kennedy III is among the many people who want to see Kaepernick back in the league, and he's even calling for the New England Patriots to sign him.

The NFL should apologize to Colin Kaepernick and the Patriots should sign him.
— Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) June 9, 2020

The Patriots could use a quarterback following the departure of Tom Brady to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it seems head coach Bill Belichick is set to roll with second-year QB Jarrett Stidham and veteran Brian Hoyer as his backup.

Kaepernick joining the Patriots is unlikely, especially considering New England didn't have much interest in other available free-agent quarterbacks including Cam Newton and Jameis Winston.

Kaepernick did attempt a comeback earlier this year with a workout in Atlanta, 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.

Floyd, an African American man, died two weeks ago after he was violently apprehended by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The incident was recorded on video by a witness.

The 46-year-old Floyd was pinned to the ground by Chauvin, who then proceeded to kneel on his neck, preventing Floyd from breathing. Floyd pleaded for his life and told Chauvin he couldn't breathe, but Chauvin refused to move, as the video showed.

Floyd was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Chauvin was arrested last Friday on charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. On June 3, Chauvin's charge was upgraded to second-degree murder, and three other now-former officers who were on the scene are facing charges.

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