History will look kindly on Colin Kaepernick and it won’t have anything to do with football.
In a world where standing up for your race and helping millions of people is called a distraction and circus by a professional sports league, the reality is that Kaepernick has done far more good that many of those who criticize him.
Maybe more importantly than the time he has spent putting his money where his mouth is, he has likely sparked the mind or saved the lives of many young minorities kids who just need a little hope to unlock their tremendous potential.
In 10-20 years when some great man or woman explains how Kaepernick’s stance made them want to do better and make change, that is when you will know that his kneeling and essentially putting his career in jeopardy had a much greater effect than throwing a TD pass.
Kaepernick’s old 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh penned this piece for TIME magazine about Kaepernick for their top 100 influential people in the world list. Here is what he said.
Colin Kaepernick was alone in his early protests last year when he boldly and courageously confronted perceived inequalities in our social-justice system by refusing to stand for the national anthem. At times in our nation’s history, we have been all too quick to judge and oppose our fellow Americans for exercising their First Amendment right to address things they believe unjust.
Rather than besmirch their character, we must celebrate their act. For we cannot pioneer and invent if we are fearful of deviating from the norm, damaging our public perception or—most important—harming our own personal interests.
I thank Colin for all he has contributed to the game of football as an outstanding player and trusted teammate. I also applaud Colin for the courage he has demonstrated in exercising his guaranteed right of free speech. His willingness to take a position at personal cost is now part of our American story.
How lucky for us all and for our country to have among our citizens someone as remarkable as Colin Kaepernick.