Colin Kaepernick’s NFL jersey predicted to fetch up to $100,000 at auction

It is bright red and white, and autographed by Colin Kaepernick in 2011 with silver ink. It also could fetch $100,000 in the near future, says a California-based auctioneer.

“The white Reebok ’7’ jersey signed by the former NFL quarterback, who became the face of this generation’s new civil rights movement and an American cultural figure, is estimated to sell at $80,000 - $100,000,” said Julien’s Auctions in an advance notice. “Kaepernick wore this jersey in his NFL debut as a San Francisco 49er on October 2, 2011, when he entered the game in the first quarter for a handoff to Frank Gore for a five-yard run against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“In 2020, his positions and actions on and off the field has catapulted him to become a central figure whose kneel became a powerful symbol of protest against racial injustice in America,” the Beverly Hills-based auctioneer said.

The item is no doubt authentic. Mr. Kaepernick included the phrase “official game worn rookie jersey” in his autograph, also written in silver ink.

The jersey is “an exceptional piece of sports history,” said Darren Julien, CEO of the auction house.

The auction house will feature the garment in an upcoming “Icons and Idols” sports celebrity auction that will emphasize Mr. Kaepernick’s place in sports history plus political and cultural activism.

“In 2016, Kaepernick knelt during the National Anthem to bring attention and awareness to racial inequality in the United States,” the auction house said. “At the end of the 2016 NFL season, Kaepernick was released by the 49ers, which led to his present-day banishment from the NFL and his legacy as one of the most prominent figures in sports history worldwide.”

The bidding event is scheduled for December and also will feature personal items from NBA greats, including Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls game jersey dating from 1984, plus a Los Angeles Lakers jersey worn by the late Kobe Bryant during the 2004-2005 season.