Colin Kaepernick isn’t just wishing to get one of the 32 starting quarterback jobs in the NFL — a lofty goal for a controversial player who hasn’t taken a snap since the 2016 season.
After his workout at the University of Michigan on Saturday, Kaepernick told WXYZ Detroit that he is willing to take a backup quarterback job if it gets him back in the NFL.
“I can help make you a better team, I can help you win games,” Kaepernick said. “I know right now the situation likely won’t allow me to come in, step into a starting role. I know I’ll be able to work my way to that though and show that very quickly.”
Colin Kaepernick’s final pass today today at Michigan’s Maize and Blue Spring Game.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 2, 2022
📹 @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/y9pvu3iGZC
Kaepernick worked out for 15 minutes with draft-eligible players during halftime of Michigan’s spring game, for which he was named an honorary captain. Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh coached Kaepernick in San Francisco when Kaepernick led the 49ers to the Super Bowl after the 2012 season.
In the past month, the 34-year-old free agent has been consistently posting videos of his throwing workouts on social media. He worked out with Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett and has expressed interest in playing for Seattle. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said the controversial quarterback deserves a second chance in the NFL.
Kaepernick’s last football playing experience came in the 2016 NFL season, when he sparked national outrage for kneeling during the national anthem. But he thinks he can still play.
“We want to make sure that we come out and show that I can still play, still throw it and really just looking for an opportunity for a door to open,” Kaepernick said.
“I can help make you a better team. I can help you win games.”@Kaepernick7 had a message for NFL teams 👀
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 2, 2022
(via @JeannaTrotmanTV, @wxyzdetroit) pic.twitter.com/3pOqnLDCMq
“So to the teams that have questions, more than anything I would say I’d love to come in for a workout. I’d love to sit down with you and have that conversation about how I could help you be a better team.”
Kaepernick also worked out with Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara while he was in Ann Arbor last week. The Wolverines signal caller was impressed with Kaepernick.
“Growing up in Reno, I was a 49er fan. So I always watched coach Harbaugh as the 49ers and Kap was always the QB,” McNamara said. “But I’ve thrown with him a couple times this week. He’s got a rocket and he can sling it for sure. He’s been nothing but respectful to me.”
• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.
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