The return of veteran quarterback Colin Kaepernick to the NFL has received an endorsement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. In a recent chat with ESPN, Goodell said he supports Kaepernick’s comeback to the league and is encouraging teams to sign him.
Kaepernick gained prominence for kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial inequality. Following the end of the season, he opted out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers after the team reportedly planned to release him. Kaepernick has remained unsigned since, with many arguing that his activism is the main reason for this.
For his part, Goodell says he would welcome Kaepernick back in the league.
“Well, listen, if he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it’s gonna take a team to make that decision,” said Goodell. “But I welcome that, support a club making that decision, and encourage them to do that.”
Goodell previously also delivered an apology in front of the NFL for the league’s passiveness in dealing with issues of racial inequality.
NFL had an attempt to incorporate Colin Kaepernick back into the league last year, organizing a workout for signal-caller and inviting the teams to evaluate him. While Kaepernick initially agreed to the proposal, he ended up backing out due to the liability waiver that the league required him to sign.
Kaepernick entered the league in 2011 as a second-round pick and played 69 games with 58 starts as a pro. He threw for 12,271 yards and 72 touchdowns while adding 2,300 rushing yards and 13 rushing TDs.
