Photo courtesy of San Francisco 49ers Media Services 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) calls out plays against the Miami Dolphins. Kaepernick has not played an NFL game since 2016.

Former Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick is still focused on an NFL comeback. 

Kaepernick’s representatives—including his agent Jeff Nalley and PR director Jasmine Windham—issued a two-page Q&A press release on Thursday, Oct. 10. The press release—titled “Facts to Address the False Narratives Regarding Colin Kaepernick”—addressed several topics involving his current status with the NFL. 

According to the press release, the free-agent quarterback has received “little to no response” from all 32 NFL teams. Kaepernick, 31, hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016 when he was a member of the San Francisco 49ers. In 2016, he began protesting police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem. 

He opted out of his contract with the 49ers in 2017 and is currently aiming at another chance as a leading signal-caller. Kaepernick has yet to officially work out with an NFL team, according to the press release. 

“Not a single team has brought Colin in for a workout,” the statement said. “Seattle brought Colin in for a visit, but did not work him out. Afterwards, (head coach) Pete Caroll said Colin is a ‘starter in this league’. No other NFL team has interviewed or worked out Colin in the past 3 seasons, despite other false statements in the media to the contrary.” 

Despite his unemployment from the NFL, the press release stated Kaepernick is staying in shape through rigorous training and workout regimes in hopes of returning to the field. 

“He has been working out 5 days a week, for 3 years, in preparation to play again,” the statement said. 

Kaepernick has remained a hot topic for the 2019-20 campaign. Six NFL teams including the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets have all lost its starting quarterback to injury, illness or retirement this season. 

Kaepernick showcased his dual-threat ability over his career, and the press release stated his potential as more than a serviceable replacement at the next level. 

“Colin played in a West Coast Offense under (head coach) Jim Harbaugh,”  the statement said. “The idea that he doesn’t fit a team’s system does not mesh with how teams have adjusted their offensive schemes to fit the skill set of their quarterbacks. Colin has the same skill set as many of the young mobile quarterbacks flourishing in the NFL right now.”

In six seasons with the 49ers, Kaepernick totaled 12,271 passing yards with 71 touchdowns, adding 2,300 career rushing yards and 13 scores. In that time, San Francisco made three-straight playoff appearances including a Super Bowl XLVII matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in 2012. 

The press release provided Kaepernick’s statistics from his most recent 2016 season, in which he threw for 2,241 yards with 16 touchdowns to four interceptions. He added two rushing touchdowns and 468 yards on the ground. 

“In summary, it is difficult to think of another young player in NFL history with statistics and character as impressive as Colin’s not being given an opportunity to earn a spot on an NFL roster after what he has accomplished,” the statement said. 

During his tenure with Nevada, Kaepernick led the Wolf Pack to four bowl games under head coach Chris Ault. He went 32-16 over four seasons and was named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2008. 

 

The Sports Desk can be reached at rfreeberg@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @SagebrushSports.