Saquon Barkley supports Colin Kaepernick, and if his fans have a problem with that, then the New York Giants running back doesn’t care.
Speaking to the New York Daily News, Barkely said Monday he isn’t afraid to “speak his mind.” The 22-year-old retweeted Kaepernick’s recent Nike commercial and told the newspaper he respects the quarterback for staying ready for a possible NFL opportunity.
Kaepernick hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2016 season.
He filed a grievance against the NFL, alleging owners were colluding to keep him out of the league over his political stances, and later settled that suit for an undisclosed amount. Away from football, Kaepernick has been heavily involved in political activism.
“If a fan wants to not be a fan of me because I retweet a thing for Colin Kaepernick, I don’t care,” Barkley told the Daily News. “But I respect that people have their own opinions. Everyone is entitled to that. I just would hope that people respect I have a right to my own opinion, as well.”
Barkley is coming off a stellar rookie season in which he rushed for 1,307 yards and won offensive rookie of the year. Though he’s entering his second year, Barkley downplayed the idea he’s becoming more vocal, saying he’s always willing to talk about issues he’s passionate about. Barkley added he won’t weigh in on an issue unless he’s well informed.
“It’s not like ’cause I’m in year two I’m willing to be more vocal about a situation,” Barkley said. “No. I’ve always been vocal and understand I have a platform. But hey, if I retweet a video of Colin Kaepernick working out and staying ready for the NFL and people dislike that, so be it.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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