Colin Kaepernick has not played in the National Football League since 2016, and he’s made it clear that his interest in the sport has significantly waned over the years. Kaepernick, who has consistently maintained his training regimen in hopes of making a comeback, admitted earlier this fall that he no longer follows NFL games closely.
The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback last took the field in 2016, when he made headlines by kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest against police brutality and systemic racism.
Since then, he has remained in shape, expressing his desire to return to the NFL, but no opportunity has come his way. At this point, a return seems highly unlikely, and would come as a genuine shock if it were to happen.
His longtime girlfriend, Nessa Diab, has also not been shy about expressing her feelings toward the NFL. For Halloween this year, the media personality and actress made a statement that left little doubt about her stance on the league. Nessa wore a Colin Kaepernick No. 7 jersey, but with a twist—she covered up the NFL logo as well as the 49ers logo, effectively sending a clear message of disapproval to her followers.
Nessa has stood by Kaepernick throughout his journey, and her recent actions are yet another demonstration of her support for him and their shared stance on the NFL. The couple has remained vocal about the reasons Kaepernick has been kept out of the league, pointing to the fallout from his protests as the driving force behind his continued absence from the field.
In her Halloween post, Nessa mentioned that she was dressing up as their daughter’s favorite person, referring to Kaepernick. The post included a playful nod to another favorite character, Ms. Rachel, as she shared photos of her and a friend dressed as their daughter’s beloved icons. “‘Ms. Rachel’ vs. ‘Colin’ – Who Wore It Better? This year, @mightykatrinab and myself dressed up as our daughter’s favorite people in the whole universe. ???,” Nessa wrote in her Instagram caption, highlighting the bond between Kaepernick and their young daughter.
Despite the time that has passed since Kaepernick’s last game, he has never completely given up on the dream of returning to the NFL.
While his relationship with the league is fraught with controversy, he continues to train, holding onto the hope that one day he may be able to play professional football again. The chances of that happening, however, seem slim, especially given the time away from the sport and the current state of the league.
The Halloween post by Nessa served as a reminder of the challenges Kaepernick has faced in his efforts to make a comeback, and of the ongoing tension between him and the league. The image of her wearing his jersey while covering up the NFL and 49ers logos speaks volumes about her continued disapproval of how the league has handled his situation.
For both Nessa and Kaepernick, the NFL represents an institution that has refused to reconcile with the reasons behind his protest, and their stance reflects the struggle that continues between personal values and professional opportunities.
While Kaepernick’s playing days in the NFL may be over, his influence on the sport and on social justice issues endures. His actions sparked a movement that inspired athletes across the world to take a stand, and his legacy as a voice for change remains intact.
Though a return to the NFL appears improbable, Kaepernick and Nessa continue to use their platform to advocate for what they believe in, ensuring that their message resonates far beyond the football field.
