Colin Kaepernick, Ten Years After Taking a Knee
Summary
David Remnick interviews Colin Kaepernick about his new memoir, *The Perilous Fight*, and the decade since his anthem protests. They discuss the systemic racism Kaepernick faced as a Black quarterback, the NFL's deliberate blackballing of him, and the physical toll of the sport. Kaepernick reflects on his political awakening, the "woke" framing of activism, and the complex legacy of his stand against police brutality.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship segments for Gusto, Monarch, and Build
Introduction to sports controversies and Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick's NFL career, Super Bowl run, and blacklisting
Growing up mixed-race and navigating identity
Systems-level thinking and police interactions
The NFL as a monoculture and player economics
The NFL Combine and political vetting of players
Sponsorship segments for Wayfair and Mint Mobile
Barriers for Black quarterbacks and media narratives
Rise to stardom and the origins of political activism
Understanding systemic bias versus individual attacks
Context for the 2016 protests and the national anthem
The decision to kneel and initial team dynamics
Teammate reactions and NFL institutional response
Political fallout, Trump, and lack of player support
Show outro and sponsorship segments
The 2016 season end and release from the 49ers
Why no other team signed him and fan support
WNBA politics and the debate over 'woke' activism
CTE, brain injuries, and the physical toll of football
Reflections on the game and closing remarks
Final sponsorship segments for Cup of Justice and Mint
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