A man from Vermont made a bold move by nominating former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This nomination was based on Kaepernick’s advocacy for racial equality and his stance against police brutality.
The man, Bob Birkett, discovered that anyone could make a nomination for the Hall of Fame. He then sent a letter to the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio requesting that Kaepernick be considered for induction under the contributor category. This story was reported by Nancy Armour of USA Today.
“It is my pleasure, privilege, and responsibility as a supporter of racial equality to nominate Mr. Colin Kaepernick,” Birkett expressed in his letter. “Mr. Kaepernick has shown exceptional courage in highlighting the damaging effects of racial injustice on Black people and on our society as a whole. His respectful kneeling posture has created a powerful symbol for those who are oppressed by our society.”
Kaepernick is nominated under the contributor category, which recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to professional football beyond playing or coaching. This category was established in 2014.
“He’s gotten a raw deal for so long,” Birkett expressed about Kaepernick. “It’s a little bit like Muhammad Ali refusing to serve in Vietnam. The initial reaction was, ‘Holy cow what a horrible thing.’ Then a little while later, it’s like, ‘Man, that guy had some guts.’ You think, ‘What can I do?’ I can’t force an owner to hire the guy. But darn it! I can put him in the Hall of Fame.”
The nomination will be considered earliest in 2022.
Colin Kaepernick played for the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL for six seasons. Following his decision to kneel during the national anthem, Kaepernick chose to opt-out of his contract. Since then, no team has signed him.
