Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick announced he will release a memoir through a publishing company he founded last year.
Kaepernick’s memoir will focus on his activism and protests against police brutality. The former NFL player began taking a knee during the national anthem at games in 2016, silently protesting police brutality and racial oppression in the United States.
“My protest was the culmination of years of thought and experiences, of learning and unlearning,” the 32-year-old said in a Thursday 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.”
The book is slated for a release sometime this year through his company, Kaepernick Publishing, which was created in 2019 and is intended to “reinforce the importance of Black ownership.” Kaepernick also announced a partnership with Amazon’s Audible, which will release an audio version of the 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
An executive at Audible said the book “takes listeners through the pivotal moments and experiences that inspired a national debate and cultural movement,” according to ABC News.
Kaepernick hasn’t worked for the NFL since 2017, after leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2013. He told USA Today, however, he was still interested in returning to the league.
“My desire to play football is still there,” Kaepernick said. “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.”
