Colin Kaepernick recently reiterated his comparison between the NFL and the slave trade in a conversation with former ESPN commentator Ryan Clark. The discussion took place during an episode of Clark’s “Pivot” podcast.
Kaepernick first made this analogy in the 2021 Netflix series “Colin in Black & White.” In the series, he narrates, “What they don’t want you to understand is what’s being established is a power dynamic,” as he compares the NFL Scouting Combine to a slave auction. He describes the process where teams “poke, prod and examine you, searching for any defect that might affect your performance,” emphasizing the lack of respect for personal boundaries and dignity.
Clark asked Kaepernick when he began to see the combine as reminiscent of the slave trade. Kaepernick responded, “You get to the point, where it’s like, ‘Strip down to your drawers.’ It feels like a meat market.” He admitted that he did not have this “historical perspective” in 2011 but now sees a “parallel” to slave auctions.
Kaepernick acknowledged that NFL players earn millions, yet he argues that the “process and intentions behind the process” mirror slavery.
Kaepernick’s statements followed his appearance at an event with Jemele Hill. At this event, he expressed discontent with the notion of dating a white woman and commented on the Atlanta Falcons potentially signing him.
Although Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since January 2017, he consistently maintains that he is “ready” to return and continues to train as an NFL quarterback every morning.
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