Colin Kaepernick, absent from the NFL gridiron since 2017, has made a direct entreaty to Jets’ general overseer, Joe Douglas, beseeching a place on the franchise’s practice ensemble. In a missive unveiled via the conduit of melodist J. Cole on social media, Kaepernick initiated contact with Douglas the previous week. In the correspondence, he elucidated his yearning for the organization to proffer him an opportunity within the practice collective.
Kaepernick, aged 35, delineated that his inclusion would furnish the defensive cadre an augmented tactical edge in readiness for the forthcoming confrontations slated for Weeks 4, 5, and 6. Simultaneously, it would furnish the Jets with a prospect to scrutinize his capabilities. Devoid of applying undue stress on Zach Wilson.
“I would deem it an honor of the highest order and harbor an immense sense of gratitude for the prospect to orchestrate the practice assemblage,” Kaepernick penned. “I would embrace this endeavor with an unwavering commitment to equipping your defensive unit for their weekly trials. If I were to fulfill this role, I contend that it would engender a myriad of beneficial outcomes.”
It remains no clandestine matter that the Jets have grappled with Wilson at the helm. Following Aaron Rodgers’ catastrophic Achilles injury a mere quartet of plays into the inaugural game of Week 1. The franchise has endured defeats in two out of three engagements. With Wilson evidently grappling with discomfort while steering the squad. In the course of Sunday’s defeat to the Patriots, Wilson orchestrated a solitary commendable drive in the late phases. But contrarily struggled to invigorate the offensive effort.
This predicament elicited a volley of critiques from diverse quarters, including erstwhile Jets quarterback and Hall-of-Famer Joe Namath. In his communique, Kaepernick avowed his unwavering intent to bolster Wilson’s self-assurance in any interplay they may partake in, in support of the 2021 first-round draft selection.
He also espoused the notion that in an ideal milieu. Wilson would procure the poise and cadence requisite to shepherd the Jets to a Super Bowl triumph. Inclusion of Kaepernick, he contended, would furnish a “risk-free contingency stratagem.” “In the worst-case scenario, an evaluation of my contributions might not elicit substantial admiration,” he articulated. “The best-case scenario, an epiphany may transpire, revealing a potent weapon at your disposal for unforeseen exigencies. In either of these scenarios, I would steadfastly devote myself to preparing your defensive unit week after week, throughout the entire season, and bear that responsibility as a badge of distinction.”
Kaepernick has been an unflinching advocate against racial inequity and police transgressions within the United States and acquired notoriety for genuflecting in dissent during the national anthem while donning the 49ers uniform. Since the culmination of the 2016 season, no franchise has extended a contract to him. He asseverated that NFL proprietors conspired to bar his entry into the league, leading to a legal dispute filed in 2017 and a subsequent settlement in 2019.
Over the trajectory of his career, Kaepernick achieved a completion rate of 59.8 percent for his passes. Amassing 72 touchdowns and enduring 30 interceptions, while simultaneously amassing 2,300 rushing yards.
