Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and civil rights activist, has sent shockwaves through the NFL community with a bold claim that he is planning a return to the league for the 2025 season, asserting that “several teams” have reached out to inquire about his services. The 37-year-old, who last played in the NFL in 2016, has remained steadfast in his pursuit of a comeback, training daily and publicly expressing his readiness to compete. However, the lack of concrete evidence supporting his claims of team interest, combined with his polarizing history, has ignited a firestorm of speculation, excitement, and skepticism among fans, analysts, and NFL insiders. This article explores Kaepernick’s announcement, the context of his potential return, and the challenges he faces in securing a roster spot.

Kaepernick’s Bold Announcement

In a recent interview with Sky Sports on April 28, 2025, Kaepernick made headlines by declaring his intent to return to the NFL for the 2025 season, stating, “I’m planning to be back on the field this year. Several teams have called, and we’re exploring opportunities to get me back in the game.” He emphasized his physical readiness, noting, “I’ve been training all day, every day, for nearly a decade. My arm is elite, my legs are still there, and I know I can help a team win a championship.” Kaepernick’s longtime partner, Nessa Diab, corroborated his claims in a TMZ Sports interview on April 20, 2025, saying, “He’s had conversations with teams. It’s up to them to make the move.”

These statements mark a significant escalation from Kaepernick’s previous comments, where he expressed hope for a return but did not cite specific team interest. His assertion that “several teams” have reached out has fueled rampant speculation on platforms like X, with posts ranging from enthusiastic support—“Kap is back! Super Bowl bound!”—to outright disbelief—“No team is calling a 37-year-old QB who hasn’t played since 2016.” The absence of named teams or verifiable reports from NFL insiders has led some to question the validity of Kaepernick’s claims, while others see it as a strategic move to pressure teams into giving him a chance.

A Storied Career and a Polarizing Exit

Kaepernick’s NFL tenure with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016 was marked by electrifying highs and controversial lows. Drafted in the second round in 2011, he emerged as a dual-threat quarterback under coach Jim Harbaugh, leading the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII in 2012, where they fell 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens. Kaepernick’s career stats include 12,271 passing yards, 72 touchdowns, 30 interceptions, and an 88.9 passer rating across 69 games, complemented by 2,300 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. His 2013 season, which included an NFC Championship appearance, showcased his ability to dominate with both his arm and legs.

However, Kaepernick’s career took a dramatic turn in 2016 when he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality. The protests sparked a nationwide debate, drawing both support and condemnation, including from then-President Donald Trump, who criticized kneeling players. Kaepernick opted out of his 49ers contract in March 2017, becoming a free agent, but no team signed him. In October 2017, he filed a grievance against the NFL, alleging collusion by team owners to keep him out of the league. The grievance was settled confidentially in February 2019, but Kaepernick has remained unsigned, with only one workout opportunity—with the Las Vegas Raiders in May 2022—failing to yield a contract.

The Case for Kaepernick’s Return

Kaepernick’s supporters argue that his skills, experience, and work ethic make him a viable candidate for an NFL roster, particularly as a backup quarterback or situational player. At 37, he is not significantly older than active quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers (41), Kirk Cousins (36), and Matthew Stafford (36). Kaepernick has consistently maintained that he trains five to six days a week, waking at 4:30 a.m. to stay in game shape, and has shared videos of workouts with NFL stars like Derrick Henry and CeeDee Lamb, earning praise for his arm strength.

His dual-threat style aligns with the modern NFL, where mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts thrive. In his final season in 2016, Kaepernick posted a 59.2% completion rate, 2,241 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, four interceptions, and 468 rushing yards with two touchdowns, despite a 1-10 record on a struggling 49ers team. Analysts like Jeffri Chadiha have suggested that teams with read-option systems, such as the Baltimore Ravens under offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who coached Kaepernick in San Francisco, could benefit from his skill set as a backup.

Kaepernick’s supporters also point to the NFL’s quarterback injury crisis in 2025, with starters like Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa facing health concerns, as evidence that teams need experienced depth. A post on X from April 22, 2025, stated, “With all these QB injuries, someone’s gotta give Kap a shot. He’s better than half the backups out there.” Furthermore, Kaepernick’s cultural impact and fanbase could boost a team’s visibility, particularly in markets supportive of his activism.

The Challenges and Skepticism

Despite Kaepernick’s optimism, significant hurdles remain. His nine-year absence from the NFL is unprecedented for a quarterback seeking a comeback, as the game has evolved with faster, more complex offensive schemes. Critics, including former NFL linebacker Terence Garvin, argue that Kaepernick’s 2016 performance—1-10 as a starter with a 59.2% completion rate—does not justify a return, especially at 37. OutKick’s David Hookstead called Kaepernick’s belief in a comeback “delusional,” citing the rarity of players returning after such a long hiatus.

The political baggage tied to Kaepernick’s protests remains a significant barrier. His actions, including wearing socks depicting police as pigs and comparing the NFL Draft to a slave auction, alienated some fans and team owners. A 2023 report from The Mirror noted that NFL teams view Kaepernick as a “risk” due to his outspokenness, with Garvin stating, “You’ve shown me you’re dangerous. You’d get a rally together.” Kaepernick’s 2017 collusion grievance, while settled, left lingering tensions with league executives, and his public criticisms of the NFL’s social justice efforts have not helped his case.

The claim of “several teams” calling is also unverified. No NFL insiders, such as ESPN’s Adam Schefter or NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, have corroborated Kaepernick’s statement as of May 6, 2025. His 2022 workout with the Raiders and a reported inquiry from an unnamed team to Seattle’s Pete Carroll in 2017 are the only documented instances of interest since 2016. Jim Harbaugh, now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, offered Kaepernick a coaching role in early 2024, which Kaepernick denied receiving, further casting doubt on claims of active team engagement.

Potential Team Fits

While Kaepernick’s claim of multiple team calls lacks confirmation, several teams could theoretically benefit from his experience, particularly those with quarterback injuries or weak depth. The Baltimore Ravens, with Greg Roman’s read-option system and backups Robert Griffin III and Trace McSorley, were cited as a logical fit in 2020, though their commitment to Lamar Jackson makes a signing unlikely. The New York Jets, who rejected Kaepernick’s 2023 offer to join their practice squad after Aaron Rodgers’ injury, face ongoing quarterback instability with Zach Wilson. The Cincinnati Bengals, dealing with Joe Burrow’s wrist concerns, could consider Kaepernick as a veteran backup, though their current depth includes Jake Browning.

Smaller-market teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, with a history of supporting social justice causes under owner Shad Khan, could offer a low-pressure environment for Kaepernick to rebuild his career. However, these possibilities remain speculative without evidence of active negotiations. Posts on X suggesting teams like the Giants or Chargers are interested lack credible backing and appear driven by fan speculation.

The NFL’s Response and Public Sentiment

The NFL has not issued an official statement on Kaepernick’s latest claims, consistent with its silence on his previous comeback attempts. In 2020, the league pledged $250 million to combat systemic racism and expressed willingness to work with Kaepernick on social justice initiatives, but no roster opportunities followed. Commissioner Roger Goodell’s 2017 comments defending teams’ decisions not to sign Kaepernick suggest a reluctance to intervene.

Public sentiment is deeply divided. Supporters view Kaepernick as a victim of blackballing, with one X user posting, “Kap was robbed of his career for speaking truth. Any team would be lucky to have him.” Critics, however, argue his skills have eroded and his activism is a liability, with another user stating, “He’s 37 and hasn’t played in forever. This is just publicity.” A 2023 Daily Mail report indicated broad NFL agreement that Kaepernick’s comeback was unlikely, reflecting a persistent skepticism among league decision-makers.

Conclusion

Colin Kaepernick’s announcement that he plans to return to the NFL in 2025, backed by claims of interest from “several teams,” has reignited one of the most polarizing sagas in sports. His undeniable talent, demonstrated by a Super Bowl run and a career 88.9 passer rating, contrasts with the challenges of a nine-year absence, a polarizing public image, and unverified claims of team outreach. While Kaepernick’s dedication to training and his cultural significance keep his story relevant, the lack of concrete offers and the NFL’s historical reluctance to engage suggest his comeback remains a long shot. As the 2025 season progresses, with injuries and roster changes inevitable, a desperate team might take a chance on the former 49ers star. Until then, Kaepernick’s claims will continue to fuel debate, leaving the football world watching to see if his dream of stepping back onto an NFL field becomes reality or remains an elusive fantasy.