Colin Kaepernick and the NFL: A Controversial Comparison

Colin Kaepernick recently reiterated his controversial view that the NFL is akin to the slave trade. During a dialogue with former ESPN commentator Ryan Clark, this comparison surfaced again. Kaepernick initially aired these views in the 2021 Netflix series Colin in Black & White.

In the series, Kaepernick portrays the NFL Scouting Combine as similar to a slave auction, claiming that there is an inherent power dynamic at play. He highlights how teams scrutinize players before they step onto the field, probing for any potential flaws. According to him, this violates personal dignity and boundaries.

During an appearance at The Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner in 2026, Kaepernick discussed this further. His conversation with Clark on the Pivot podcast delved into when Kaepernick first saw these parallels, stating it felt like a “meat market” when players stripped down for evaluations.

Kaepernick acknowledged that NFL players receive substantial salaries. Nonetheless, he insists that the evaluation process shares similarities with historical slave auctions in terms of practices and intentions.

His statements remain divisive, pointing to a complex discourse on race and the professional sports industry. Kaepernick, who has not played in the NFL since 2017, maintains his readiness to return to the field, underscoring his ongoing training regimen aimed at reclaiming his position as a quarterback.