“Look, he’s clearly not serious about Russia,” tweeted @JusticeForAll. “But his point stands: America hasn’t given him the respect he deserves, and he’s frustrated. Can you blame him?”
Whether or not Kaepernick is serious about relocating to Russia remains to be seen, but his latest comments have certainly sparked debate—yet again—about the state of activism in America and the role of athletes in politics. And while it’s easy to dismiss his Russia remark as the ramblings of someone fed up with the system, it does raise an interesting question: where does Kaepernick go from here?
Despite being out of the NFL since 2016, Kaepernick has remained a cultural force, with a dedicated following and a platform that few other athletes-turned-activists can match. He’s signed lucrative deals with brands like Nike, written memoirs, and launched initiatives aimed at helping communities in need. But at the end of the day, his ultimate goal—to return to the NFL—has remained elusive.
“I’ve been training. I’m ready to play,” Kaepernick reiterated during the interview. “But if the NFL doesn’t want me, and America doesn’t respect me, maybe it’s time to try something new.”
While it’s hard to imagine Kaepernick trading in his cleats for a matryoshka doll anytime soon, his frustrations are palpable. After all, this is a man who has spent the better part of the last decade being either revered or reviled for taking a stand—sometimes both at the same time.
