Colin Kaepernick Discusses NFL Return, Activism, and New Memoir at Detroit Event
Colin Kaepernick spoke with Jemele Hill at the 2026 Black Footwear Forum in Detroit about his football career, activism, and new memoir, 'The Perilous Fight.' He said he still hopes to play in the NFL and pushed back on claims that his protests were intended to generate money. The event served as the first stop on his book tour for the memoir, which came out Sept. 15.
Kaepernick’s Detroit appearance opened the promotional tour for “The Perilous Fight,” his memoir released Sept. 15. The discussion occurred at a gathering centered on Black achievement, community ties, and opportunities in footwear, and it touched on his football history, his 2016 protest, and organized efforts he still views as needed for structural change.
He has not appeared in an NFL game since Jan. 1, 2017, yet he continues daily morning training. After his 49ers tenure, he remained with Nike, starring in a 2018 ad, collaborating on an Air Force 1 that sold out quickly in 2019, and wearing the brand onstage in Detroit.
The event may keep Kaepernick’s protest legacy in public conversation, potentially influencing athletes, fans, and footwear-industry audiences who see his memoir and remarks. His continued NFL hopes could renew debate about team hiring and player activism, while his Nike history may shape how brands weigh social messaging. For supporters and critics alike, the discussion could reinforce existing views rather than shift them, though it may encourage younger people to consider athlete-led community organizing.