Joe Douglas, the Jets general manager, heard from Kaepernick.
With the addition of four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to their roster this offseason, the New York Jets had serious Super Bowl expectations. The quarterback’s 2023 season, however, was cut short after just four plays because of a torn Achilles.
There was a lot of discussion about what the Jets could do to replace Rodgers at the quarterback position, but head coach Robert Saleh was eager to hand the reins to former No. 2 overall choice Zach Wilson. While some began to look at the retiring Tom Brady, others began to look at the short list of free agents.
Some football fans also mentioned Colin Kaepernick, the former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers and a longtime NFL hopeful. Kaepernick is a civil rights activist. In fact, once Rodgers was hurt, he contacted the Jets, but they were unaware of him.
A letter that Kaepernick wrote to Jets general manager Joe Douglas was shared on social media on Tuesday by musician J. Cole. Kaepernick asks to be added to the practise squad rather than taking over Wilson’s position in this letter. Initially, according to Cole, Kaepernick didn’t want the letter made public, but Cole argued that everyone should be aware of his dedication to his job and desire to play again.
Ten days have passed since Rodgers’ injury in the first game of the year when the letter is dated. Kaepernick claims that his workout routine has not changed in six years and that he plans to continue playing football. Along with them, he provides references for UCLA head coach Chip Kelly, Jim Harbaugh, John Harbaugh, and Mark Davis, owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
“In the worst situation, you consider what I have to give and are unimpressed. A real weapon is at your disposal in the event that you ever need it, in the best-case scenario, Kaepernick wrote. I would wear that responsibility like a badge of honour and be dedicated to preparing your defence ready in either of these situations week in and week out, all season long.
In the NFL, Kaepernick played his final play on January 1st, 2017. In May 2022, he tried out with the Raiders, but nothing came of it. On the same day that this letter was made public, the Jets signed experienced quarterback Trevor Siemian, who had previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals in the preseason, to their practise squad.
Although it is unclear if Kaepernick is on any NFL teams’ radar, his argument for himself is now public knowledge.
