When discussing Colin Kaepernick’s ascension up the ladder to elite level quarterback, it’s easy to make jokes about the Monday night in 2012 when Kaepernick relieved a concussed Alex Smith and never looked back.
After signing a deal for a record $61 million in guarantees, Kaepernick acknowledged Smith and said he wouldn’t be here with the former 49ers starter.
“I don’t think I would be at this point so quickly if (Alex Smith) hadn’t been such a great mentor to me and helped me along with things,” Kaepernick said at a Wednesday news conference to announce the deal. “I’m very grateful for my teammates as well. I wouldn’t be here without them.”