“I think Kaepernick should be on a roster": When Aaron Rodgers called out NFL for 'injustice' against former 49ers QB
NFL legend Aaron Rodgers is known for his outspoken attitude, and he rarely shies away from expressing his opinions and beliefs. Back in 2017, when the NFL world was still reeling from the exile of former 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick, Rodgers came out in support of him. During an interview with ESPN in 2017, Rodgers expressed his disappointment:
“I think [Kaepernick] should be on a roster right now,” Rodgers stated, adding, “I think because of his protests, he’s not.”
In 2017, Kaepernick entered free agency, but no franchise showed interest in signing him despite his availability. Kaepernick’s continued silent protest became a catalyst for his unofficial exile from the game. However, some believe that he just wasn't good enough.
Rodgers sympathizes with Kaepernick's protest against injustice
Kaepernick became a controversial figure in the league following his stance on racial injustice. His kneeling during the national anthem became a defining moment of the year, coinciding with the end of his contract with the 49ers.
While speaking with ESPN, Rodgers expressed his support for Kaepernick, noting that the protests were peaceful and respectful, as per his conversation with former teammate TE Martellus Bennett.
“I think the best way I can say this is: I don’t understand what it’s like to be in that situation. What it is to be pulled over, or profiled, or any number of issues that have happened, that Colin was referencing—or any of my teammates have talked to me about,” Rodgers said.
Like many of his teammates, Rodgers believed in remedying and improving the system to fight against racial inequality. He acknowledged that the experiences his black teammates face in real life are real and significant.
“But I know it's a real thing my black teammates have to deal with,” he stated.
Rodgers refuses to participate in the protest
Despite his words of support, Rodgers refused to join the protests when asked if he would kneel during the anthem.
“I'm gonna stand because that's the way I feel about the flag—but I'm also 100 percent supportive of my teammates or any fellow players who are choosing not to,” Rodgers said.
He further added:
“They have a battle for racial equality. That's what they're trying to get a conversation started around.”
Rodgers’ outlook on many social issues had developed in the years prior to this interview. His friend and former teammate Randall Cobb described him as a sponge when it comes to absorbing information on all matters. So, it’s no surprise that the four-time NFL MVP shows a soft spot for social justice issues.