Colin Kaepernick may not be playing football for an NFL team anytime soon, but his bank account doesn't seem to be taking any hits. The man whose signature Nike shoe sold out within hours is still worth a whopping $20 million and clearly has no plans of fading away.
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The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who began a movement by taking a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice has publicly spoken his mind about many topics. He's also been criticized by many, including president Donald Trump.
Love him or hate him, the 32-year-old Kaepernick has quite the story, and you can read all about it later this year.
Colin Kaepernick Set to Release Memoir
We are proud to announce the first release on #KaepernickPublishing will be @Kaepernick7 's memoir. The story tells of the experiences that led to the act of protest that has inspired the world. Available thru @audible_com and print/ebook in 2020. #PressRelease pic.twitter.com/U2hkGCPhT5
— Kaepernick Publishing (@KaepernickPub) February 13, 2020
Kaepernick announced on Thursday, February 13 that he'll be releasing a new memoir through his own publishing company, Kaepernick Publishing. The "part political awakening and part memoir" story will tell of Kaepernick's life experiences "that led to the act of protest that has inspired the world" surrounding Kaepernick's movement in 2016.
In addition, Kaepernick is partnering with Audible on a multi-project deal that includes his memoir in audio version. The former NFL quarterback will produce audio projects for the company that amplify the voices of "notable authors, creators and other influential figures." Audible is an audiobook company owned by Amazon.
Proud to announce our multi-project deal with Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) and @KaepernickPub, including the Only from Audible version of his upcoming memoir. We’re thrilled to be including his voice in our collection of diverse and powerful stories. https://t.co/TOBCCP7eOS
— Audible (@audible_com) February 13, 2020
Founded in 2019, Kaepernick Publishing seeks to "inspire all generations of readers and listeners through the development and publication of meaningful works of all genres with the focus of amplifying diverse views and voices."
"My protest was the culmination of years of thought and experiences, of learning and unlearning," Kaepernick said in a statement. "I want to tell the story of my evolution, and the events that led me to protest systemic oppression, in hopes that it will inspire others to rise in action."
As the New York Times notes, this is not the first book Kaepernick has reportedly worked on. He announced in 2015 a book titled "Different" that has yet to be released. He's also been reportedly in talks about producing a TV show.
Considering Kaepernick is one of the most polarizing, influential and powerful voices in professional sports, Kaepernick's memoir will likely be a best-seller instantly.
Colin Kaepernick Since Taking a Knee
Kaepernick Publishing was founded to create opportunities for Black and Brown writers, authors, and creators to control their narratives and retain ownership. I am excited to announce the multi-project collaboration between myself, @KaepernickPub & @audible_com pic.twitter.com/ymwqXurTro
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) February 13, 2020
Kaepernick hasn't played in the NFL since 2017 despite posting numbers better than a good number of the league's quarterbacks. He led the 49ers to Super Bowl 47 against the Baltimore Ravens and spent six seasons in the NFL.
Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL in 2017 accusing owners of colluding to keep him out of the league. He reached a confidential settlement with the league in 2019.
"I learned early on that in fighting against systematic oppression, dehumanization and colonization, who controls the narrative shapes the reality of how the world views society," Kaepernick told USA TODAY Sports. "It controls who's loved, who's hated, who's degraded and who's celebrated."
The current free agent worked out for NFL teams in November of 2019 but went unsigned despite scouts raving over his athleticism and arm strength. He's remained relatively silent outside of releasing a powerful Nike commercial and his own shoe line.
Still, he maintains he wants to play football again.
"My desire to play football is still there," Kaepernick told USA Today. "I still train five days a week. I'm ready to go, I'm ready for a phone call, tryout, workout at any point in time. I'm still waiting on the owners and their partners to stop running from this situation. So I hope I get a call this offseason. I'll be looking forward to it."
Whether he tosses the pigskin for a team again remains to be seen, but Kaepernick isn't going away anytime soon.
