Colin Kaepernick Released Memoir at Brooklyn Library
The former NFL quarterback discussed his new book, The Perilous Fight, during an event in New York City.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Should high-profile figures prioritize collective social goals over personal business interests in their professional deals?
Colin Kaepernick released his memoir, The Perilous Fight, during a conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones at the Brooklyn Public Library. The event featured the former NFL quarterback discussing his commitment to activism and his perspectives on living in one's purpose.
Why it matters
Kaepernick intends for his book to serve as a comprehensive reference point of knowledge for readers. The conversation highlighted his ongoing journey since he first began protesting police brutality.
Colin Kaepernick began his national anthem protests 10 years ago, following the December 2015 incident where San Francisco police officers fired 21 shots at Mario Woods.
The players
Colin Kaepernick
He is a former professional NFL quarterback who gained significant attention for kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality.
Nikole Hannah-Jones
She is an acclaimed journalist and the creator of the 1619 Project who interviewed Kaepernick at the Brooklyn Public Library.
Brooklyn Public Library
This major public library system in New York City hosts extensive community and cultural programming through its BPL Presents series.
Jay-Z
He is a prominent rapper, entrepreneur, and billionaire who faced criticism from Kaepernick over his corporate partnership with the NFL.
Mario Woods
His 2015 death at the hands of San Francisco police became a focal point in the protests Kaepernick eventually led in the NFL.
The details
Kaepernick sat during the national anthem at the first 2016 NFL preseason game, later discussing his disillusionment with league partnerships, including his criticism of Jay-Z's 2017 deal. The event was hosted as part of the BPL Presents cultural programming series at the library's central location.
Timeline
December 2015 marked the shooting of Mario Woods by San Francisco police.
Kaepernick began his national anthem protest in 2016.
Jay-Z publicly expressed support for Kaepernick in 2017.
The book launch event took place at the Brooklyn Public Library on September 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This event reflects a decade-long evolution of the athlete-activist movement that began with the 2016 NFL national anthem protests. It marks a shift from active field demonstrations to the codification of those experiences in long-form literary commentary.
Readers can engage with the specific history of police reform protests and the evolution of Kaepernick's public stance since his departure from the NFL. The book serves as a primary source document for those studying the intersection of professional sports and social justice activism.
The takeaway
Kaepernick's memoir suggests that professional athletes hold a unique platform to sustain social dialogue long after their playing careers conclude. Readers should consider how individual acts of dissent can catalyze a decade of national discourse on institutional reform.
Further reading
Explore more analysis regarding professional athletes and societal impact in our Football section.
More information
To learn about future events in this series, visit the BPL Presents cultural programming information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Amsterdam News.
Live Poll
Should high-profile figures prioritize collective social goals over personal business interests in their professional deals?
