Photo: Getty (2)
Las Vegas RaidersownerMark Davisis sharing his support forColin Kaepernick’s potentialNFLreturn.
During an interview withNBC Sportsfor an upcoming episode ofRace in America: A Candid Conversation, Davis, 66, admitted that, if it were up to him, he would welcome Kaepernick, 34 — the former quarterback who hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2016 — with “open arms” to his franchise.
Despite vocalizing his support, all roster decisions for the Raiders remain in the hands of new General Manager Dave Ziegler and new Head Coach Josh McDaniels, who have yet to publicly show interest in the quarterback.
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Colin Kaepernick.Prince Williams/Wireimage
“I think Colin is a very misunderstood human being,” Davis continued. “I’ve gotten a chance to talk to him. I never really knew Colin, and I didn’t understand him. I didn’t understand the kneeling, what that meant initially. Over time, I have learned a little bit more about it.”
He added, “I understand [now] where he was coming from. He’s got a message for society as a whole.”
During the 2016 season, Kaepernick began kneeling while the national anthem played at the beginning of each game to protest racial injustice, police brutality and systemic oppression.
Kaepernick and fellow athlete and protester Eric Reid filed grievances with the league in October 2017 that accused owners of colluding to prevent him from signing with a team. The pairsettled with the league in February 2019.
Colin Kaepernick.Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty
Earlier this month, Kaepernick spoke candidly about making a return to the NFL while chatting with fellow former playersChad Johnson,Adam “Pacman” JonesandBrandon Marshallfor an interview withI Am Athlete.
When Marshall, 38, asked Kaepernick his thoughts on taking on a role similar to oneCarmelo Anthonydid in the NBA — playing with a team in a smaller capacity — the activist said he is willing to do the same and would then be ready to move into a better position.
“I know I have to find my way back in. So if I have to come in as a backup, that’s fine,” Kaepernick said. “But that’s not where I’m staying. And when I prove that I’m a starter, I want to be able to step on the field as such.”
Added Kaepernick: “I just need that opportunity to walk through the door.”
Recently, David Robinson, a trainer who has worked with Kaepernick, said thatmultiple NFL teams have reached out to himwith interest in the former quarterback. Hetold TMZthat “at least” five NFL teams had sent inquiries in the wake of a training session he held with Kaepernick in March 2021.
“A few teams have … asked how his arm looked,” Robinson claimed. “They have reached out and asked about him.”
He also confirmed that Kaepernick is still in playing shape (whichthe athlete has affirmed several timesonsocial media), telling the outlet, “He definitely has the ability to play on somebody’s roster — like, right now.”
“Like, a couple of the guys that were in the session that were on NFL teams were saying that his arm is just as strong as guys' that we got on our roster right now and can play,” Robinson added.
source: people.com
