Colin Kaepernick delivers verdict on Jim Harbaugh’s potential NFL return after title-winning season with Michigan
Colin Kaepernick praised his former NFL mentor Jim Harbaugh after the latter guided Michigan to victory in this year's College Football Playoff National Championship. Having seen him win the title, the former NFL quarterback told USA TODAY,
“Harbaugh is the one coach you call when you want to compete for a championship. Period.”
It is a strong vote of confidence in the head coach who gave him his chance with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL and is reportedly wanted by others in the league after his championship victory. During their time together, they reached the one Super Bowl and two NFC title games, so it is not surprising that Colin Kaepernick has such strong confidence in Jim Harbaugh.
Jim Harbaugh has stood with Colin Kaepernick even as NFL gave him the proverbial cold shoulder
Another possible reason why Colin Kaepernick is not hesitant to tout Jim Harbaugh's achievements is because of the coach's support for him even during the most trying times. After the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback took a knee during the National Anthem to protest against police brutality, it promoted a backlash that is widely recognized as having been the reason he was blackbaled by the league.
But Jim Harbaugh has always stood by him, naming him honorary team captain of Michigan and also taking the time to host tryouts for Colin Kaepernick as he tried to return to the NFL. The former NFL quarterback had then said,
“It shows who Coach Harbaugh is. He does this for me. He’s someone that is gonna fight for you. His relationship with you goes beyond just football. He loves you as a person."
The confidence the current Michigan coach has in Colin Kaepernick is also reflected in their history. It was Jim Harbaugh who chose to make him and retain him as the starter for the San Francisco 49ers, even after previous incumbent Alex Smith returned from injury. The player had previously remarked,
“Coach Harbaugh, he’s always been phenomenal for me. From the time we met at the combine to my pro day to him drafting me and choosing to start me. From there, our relationship has continued to grow and develop. Phenomenal person. Phenomenal man. Lots of love for Coach Harbaugh.”
And now, Colin Kaeperick is returning the faith coach Harbaugh has placed in him over all these years. But the kind of work the coach has done at Michigan will ensure that he will not be short of offers. He is being linked to every vacant NFL spot across the country's breadth from Los Angeles Chargers to Carolina Panthers.