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Colin Kaepernick remains committed to NFL training with early starts
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- Colin Kaepernick remains committed to NFL training with early starts
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Colin Kaepernick at an event
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Colin Kaepernick continues NFL training
Colin Kaepernick, a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, continues training for a possible NFL return as of October 2026. The 38-year-old last played during the 2016 NFL season.
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In a September 2026 interview with Men's Health, Kaepernick discussed his continued preparation for professional football. He described maintaining a demanding fitness routine despite spending nearly 10 years away from NFL competition.
Colin Kaepernick at an event
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Colin Kaepernick wakes at 4:30 a.m.
Colin Kaepernick continues waking at 4:30 a.m. to prepare for football, according to his September 2026 interview with Men's Health. The early start remains part of his established approach to physical training.
The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback described maintaining his routine despite remaining outside the NFL. His preparation reflects his stated intention to stay physically ready if another professional football opportunity becomes available.
Colin Kaepernick at Country Music Awards.
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Colin Kaepernick focuses on football skills
Colin Kaepernick continues strength, speed, and quarterback position training while pursuing another opportunity in professional football. His September 2026 interviews described a workout program focused on maintaining abilities needed for NFL competition.
The former quarterback works on physical conditioning alongside exercises related to his playing position. Men's Health documented his continued preparation, which differs from simply maintaining general fitness after retiring from professional sports.
Former football quarterback Colin Kaepernick at an event
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Colin Kaepernick recalls an early lesson
Colin Kaepernick discussed a childhood experience that influenced his approach to physical training during a September 2026 Men's Health interview. He traced an important lesson about effort and discipline to age 8.
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The former quarterback recalled learning about physical limits while participating in youth sports. His account connected those early experiences with the demanding preparation he continues to follow while pursuing another NFL opportunity.
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Colin Kaepernick believes he can return
Colin Kaepernick expressed confidence in his ability to play professional football again during a September 2026 appearance on the Men's Health Strong Talk podcast. He discussed the preparation behind his continued NFL ambitions.
When asked whether he could still compete, Kaepernick responded positively and described maintaining his physical readiness. His comments represented his personal assessment rather than confirmation that an NFL team intended to sign him.
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Colin Kaepernick checks NFL statistics
Colin Kaepernick said in September 2026 that he no longer regularly watches NFL games. However, the former San Francisco quarterback continues reviewing statistical information to follow performances across the league.
During interviews with Men's Health and Us Weekly, Kaepernick discussed checking quarterback numbers instead of watching complete games. His comments established that he continues to follow NFL performances through available statistical records.
Quarterback ready to throw the football.
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Colin Kaepernick compares NFL starters
Colin Kaepernick believes he could outperform some quarterbacks currently starting in the NFL. During a September 2026 interview with Us Weekly, he was asked to compare himself with the league's 32 starters.
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Kaepernick responded that he believed he could outperform a considerable number of them. He did not identify individual players, and his statement reflected personal confidence rather than an independently measured comparison of quarterback performance.
Fun fact: Colin Kaepernick finished 8th in the 2010 Heisman Trophy voting while playing quarterback for the Nevada Wolf Pack.
American civil rights activist and former football quarterback Colin Kaepernick
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Colin Kaepernick last played in 2017
Colin Kaepernick made his final NFL regular season appearance on January 1, 2017, against the Seattle Seahawks. The San Francisco 49ers lost 25 to 23 in their final game of the 2016 season.
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Kaepernick completed 17 of 22 passes for 215 yards and 1 touchdown without an interception. He later became a free agent and has not appeared in another NFL regular season game.
The 50-yard line on an American football field, representing a potential return to NFL action.
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Colin Kaepernick reached the Super Bowl
Colin Kaepernick helped the San Francisco 49ers reach Super Bowl XLVII following the 2012 NFL season. The team faced the Baltimore Ravens in New Orleans on February 3, 2013, losing 34 to 31.
Kaepernick completed 16 of 28 passes for 302 yards during the championship game. He also gained 62 rushing yards on 7 carries, showing his ability to contribute through passing and running.
Las Vegas Raiders' logo next an official NFL football
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Colin Kaepernick worked out for Raiders
Colin Kaepernick participated in a workout with the Las Vegas Raiders in May 2022. The session provided an opportunity to demonstrate his quarterback abilities after several years without an NFL playing contract.
The Raiders did not sign Kaepernick following that workout, despite reports describing the session positively. The May 2022 evaluation remains a documented example of his efforts to return to professional football.
Colin Kaepernick posing for the camera at an event.
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Colin Kaepernick maintains his preparation
Colin Kaepernick has continued preparing for professional football despite remaining unsigned by an NFL team. His September 2026 interviews described the physical work required to maintain his strength, speed, and quarterback skills.
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The former San Francisco quarterback said he remained committed to preparing for another opportunity. His training continued independently of any confirmed team invitation, contract agreement, or scheduled return to NFL competition.
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Colin Kaepernick publishes his memoir
Colin Kaepernick released his memoir, The Perilous Fight, on September 15, 2026, through Legacy Lit. The book examines his upbringing, professional football career, and decision to protest during the national anthem.
Publisher Hachette announced the book in April 2026 and confirmed that Kaepernick narrated its audiobook. His September media appearances also addressed his experiences, public activities, and continued interest in professional football.
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Curious what sparked Kaepernick's criticism of the Cowboys owner? Explore why Colin Kaepernick questions Jerry Jones on racial issues and what prompted his remarks.
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Colin Kaepernick remains interested in NFL
Colin Kaepernick continued expressing interest in returning to the NFL during September 2026 interviews. As of October 13, 2026, the former San Francisco quarterback had not announced a new professional football contract.
His most recent public comments emphasized confidence in his abilities and preparation for another opportunity. Whether an NFL team will offer him a position remains unknown, with no confirmed return announced.
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Kaepernick's comparison of the NFL Combine to slavery continues to generate debate. Colin Kaepernick criticized over NFL Combine slavery comparison explores the remarks and the criticism surrounding them.
Do you think Colin Kaepernick deserves another chance in the NFL after years of dedicated training? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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