
Getty Image
This weekend Colin Kaepernick is going to have the ability to show off his talents in front of all 32 NFL teams after the league arranged a work out for him.
Via ESPN
NFL clubs were informed Tuesday that a private workout will be held for free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick on Saturday in Atlanta, according to a copy of a memo obtained by ESPN.
In the memo, the league said: “Earlier this year, we discussed some possible steps with his representatives and they recently emphasized his level of preparation and that he is ready to work out for clubs and be interviewed by them. We have therefore arranged this opportunity for him to work out, and for all clubs to have the opportunity to evaluate his current readiness and level of interest in resuming his NFL career.”
Kaepernick accepted the workout invitation and released a statement saying he was ready to meet with coaches.
I’m just getting word from my representatives that the NFL league office reached out to them about a workout in Atlanta on Saturday. I’ve been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday.
Apparently, Kaepernick’s workout was organized at the last minute by the NFL and Kaep’s team was caught off guard by the whole thing.
2) Not only was @Kaepernick7 caught off guard by Tuesday's league-initiated push for the workout, but so were most (or perhaps all) team executives. Kaepernick was given 2 hours to accept or reject the league's offer, and the date and place were non-negotiable…
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) November 13, 2019
4) Because it's Saturday, most teams will likely send pro scouts or other talent evaluators without decision-making power. That said, expect most teams to have at least one representative at the workout, if only because no organization wants to be singled out as non-compliant…
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) November 13, 2019
6) Kaepernick wants an opportunity. He wakes up at 4:30 a.m. & works out five days a week, often in the dark, under the guidance of personal trainer Josh Hidalgo (who, perhaps, will play a part in Saturday's staging?). He said yes to the league's offer because he wants to play…
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) November 13, 2019
6) Kaepernick wants an opportunity. He wakes up at 4:30 a.m. & works out five days a week, often in the dark, under the guidance of personal trainer Josh Hidalgo (who, perhaps, will play a part in Saturday's staging?). He said yes to the league's offer because he wants to play…
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) November 13, 2019
11) To reiterate some things I've often reported over the past two-plus years: @Kaepernick7 sincerely wants to play. He has not rejected any offers. He has not demanded a certain salary or refused to be a backup. He is open to discussing all NFL opportunities.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) November 13, 2019
One NFL team official believes the entire workout is a sham concocted by the league.
NFC West team official on the Kaepernick workout this weekend: “This entire thing is a sham. The NFL is full of shit. It’s a show. But he should do it because some of us are sincere. Some of us see him for what he is: a good man.”
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) November 13, 2019
One thing is clear, based on talent alone and the litany of terrible backup QBs and even starters around the league, Kaepernick should be playing in the NFL. Will this be an actual opportunity for him to showcase his talent and find a new team? Or will his beliefs and activism continue to stand in the way of his NFL career.
Time will tell if we see him in the league again, but the good news is we should have a definitive answer by next week.