Desperate Kaepernick Sends Strange Letter to Jets
Colin Kaepernick's comeback won't be happening with the New York Jets.
The seemingly desperate NFL outcast is still holding out hope for a return to the big leagues. Kaepernick, who last appeared on a roster in 2016, wrote a two-page letter to Jets' general manager Joe Douglas soliciting his services in the wake of Aaron Rodgers's season-ending injury.
Rapper J. Cole shared a copy of Kaepernick's correspondence on the social media app Instagram, claiming that it was his idea, and not the quarterback's, to post the letter that was dated September 21.
"I asked Colin @kaepernick7 if I could share this letter with the world. He was reluctant. My argument was that I believe the people and all organizations should know the truth about how hard he works and how much he still wants to play. And always has. In the end, he agreed to let me," said J. Cole in the caption.
In a weird twist, Kaepernick was not asking to take Zach Wilson's job. Instead, he was pleading for a chance to join the Jets' Practice Squad and lead the scout team.
"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," said the 35-year-old Kaepernick.
It is not known if Douglas ever directly responded to the written request, and the general manager has since signed veteran quarterback Trevor Siemian to the Jets' Practice Squad.
Kaepernick, a former second-round draft pick, has been unemployed since Kyle Shanahan took over the 49ers' head coaching job in 2017.
During the 2016 NFL Preseason, Kaepernick began protesting racial injustices by kneeling during the National Anthem. His behavior sparked an uproar across the American political landscape. Jets' owner Woody Johnson was amongst those who publicly criticized Kaepernick's stance.
Kaepernick has previously claimed that NFL teams have colluded against him because of the protests, preventing his return to the professional ranks. In fairness to the quarterback turned social justice warrior, his on-field performance may be the real reason why he has yet to find another NFL job.
In his last two seasons with the 49ers, Kaepernick posted a 3-16 record as a starter. He completed 59.1 percent of passes over that span.
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