Kaepernick Blames NFL Owners for Blackballing Him, Says They Fund Trump

When Colin Kaepernick stepped onto the set of "The View" this week, he didn’t come to chat about his latest charity work or the next season’s quarterback draft. Instead, he launched a pointed critique of the very organization that once signed his name to a contract.

"The league’s owners kept me out because of politics," Kaepernick said, his voice steady but unmistakably charged. He argued that his refusal to kneel – a protest that sparked national debate – wasn’t the real reason he’s been without a team for years. According to him, the real catalyst was the NFL’s own political calculus.

"They want to protect their power and their money," he continued, adding that many owners are generous donors to Donald Trump’s political campaigns. "When you give millions to a former president who’s made a point of attacking the league’s image, you’re basically saying you’d rather protect that relationship than give a Black quarterback a fair shot."

The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback also used the platform to promote his new memoir, The Perilous Fight, describing it as a “deep dive into the personal and professional battles that defined my career.” He said the book chronicles not only his on‑field achievements but also the backlash he faced after his 2016 protest during the national anthem.

While Kaepernick’s remarks sparked immediate reactions from the panel, including a few tentative agreements to explore the “political” dimension of NFL hiring practices, the broader NFL community has largely stayed silent. No official spokesperson has commented on the specific allegation that owners collectively contribute to Trump’s campaigns, though past public records do show donations from several high‑profile owners.

Fans and analysts alike are now left to wonder whether Kaepernick’s claims will reignite the conversation about free expression, corporate influence, and the power dynamics that shape professional sports. For his part, Kaepernick said he hopes his story will encourage “anyone who feels silenced to keep speaking up, even when the odds are stacked against them.”