Colin Kaepernick has asked the New York Jets to allow him to lead their practice squad, calling himself an “elite QB.”
The Black Lives Matter darling has not played in the NFL since 2016.
Kaepernick’s letter to Jets general manager Joe Douglas asking to join the team was published on Instagram by rapper J. Cole.
Jets’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1, but Kaepernick claims he is not gunning for his job.
“I know that there are currently depth issues at the position, and I’ve heard that the back-up spot is likely to be filled by a veteran Quarterback,” Kaepernick wrote. “As much as I would love the opportunity to fill that spot, I’m writing you in hopes that you can imagine a much different approach involving me; I would be honored and extremely grateful for the opportunity to come in and lead the practice squad.”
“I would do this with the sole mission of getting your defense ready each week. If I were able to fill this role for the team, I believe this allows for multiple things,” the letter continued.
Kaepernick listed two reasons why he should be chosen for the role.
“1. It gives your Defense, the advantage of getting a truer read on the more mobile/athletic/versatile quarterbacks it will face when in weeks 4, 5 and 6 ([Patrick] Mahomes, [Russell] Wilson, and [Jalen] Hurts). I would consider it a privilege to be able to do this and would take on this responsibility with the dedication and passion as if it were the QB1 position,” Kaepernick wrote.
“2. This would also allow you guys as an organization to take a real look at where I’m at football wise, in game-like situations against an elite defense, while also not putting any competitive pressure on Zach. I understand the importance of keeping him confident and focused as QB1, and I would only look to boost that confidence in any interactions that we may have if I was given this role within the team.”
The controversial player said that his offer gives the Jets both “worst case” and “best case” scenarios with a “risk-free contingency plan.”
“I am sure of my ability to provide you with an elite QB option if, God forbid, QB1 goes down. However, I know that there may naturally be uncertainties from you, and possibly from others about my playing abilities. This plan, I believe, allows me to be a great service to the team as a practice squad QB, while also giving you a low-commitment chance to assess my capabilities to help in any other capacity you may see fit,” he wrote.
The football player rose to notoriety in 2016 when he refused to leave the bench for the National Anthem. He claimed that he was protesting against “racial oppression” and police misconduct, saying that he would not stand for a flag representing a country where those issues still persist.
Later that year, former Seahawks player Nate Boyer encouraged him to change his protest to kneeling during the anthem. Other players joined in throughout the season.
Earlier this year, Kaepernick lashed out at his white adoptive parents for “perpetuating racism” while promoting his book.
“I know my parents loved me. But there were still very problematic things that I went through,” he told CBS News. “I think it was important to show that, no, this can happen in your own home, and how we move forward collectively while addressing the racism that is being perpetuated.”
