Colin Kaepernick Criticized NFL Owners at Dallas Talk
The former quarterback discussed his 2016 national anthem protests during a memoir appearance in Dallas.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Football
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Colin Kaepernick appeared at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters on October 6, 2026, to discuss his memoir. During the event, he spoke about his 2016 protests against racial injustice and criticized NFL owners for their subsequent opposition.
Why it matters
The appearance provided a platform for Kaepernick to recount the challenges he faced after taking a knee to oppose police violence. He highlighted the tension between players and league leadership regarding the protests that defined his final season.
Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season, which followed a 2-14 record with the 49ers. He opted out of his contract after the team indicated they planned to release him.
The players
Colin Kaepernick
He is a former NFL quarterback who initiated national anthem protests to oppose police violence against Black people.
Jerry Jones
He is the owner of the Dallas Cowboys and voiced opposition to anthem protests due to concerns over television viewership.
The details
Kaepernick used his memoir tour to answer questions regarding his experiences with league executives and the fallout from his decision to protest during the national anthem. He specifically addressed the concerns of figures like Jerry Jones, who opposed the protests due to worries regarding the impact on NFL viewership.
Timeline
Kaepernick began protesting during the 2016 NFL season.
NFL owners met at their Park Avenue headquarters in October 2017.
Kaepernick appeared at an author talk in Dallas on October 6, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Kaepernick's public critique follows a pattern set by the 2017 NFL owners meeting at Park Avenue. This dialogue serves as a reminder of how the protests shaped the league's competitive environment and business operations for years.
The memoir tour underscores the lasting impact of Kaepernick's decision on player-owner relations across the league. Fans and analysts continue to track how these historical protests influence current league policies on player activism.
The takeaway
Kaepernick's memoir tour continues to keep the narrative of his 2016 protest in the public consciousness. His account provides a unique perspective on the intersection of professional sports, racial justice, and ownership power.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
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Should professional sports leagues prioritize addressing social justice concerns over maintaining league image?
