The NFL is hosting a private workout this weekend in Atlanta featuring free-agent quarterbackColin Kaepernick, league sources told PEOPLE.
The league reportedly sent a memo on Tuesday to its 32 teams that the session will include an on-field work and an interview with Kaepernick, 32. Video of the workout and interview will also be made available to all clubs.
According toESPN, the workout was set up in response to a statement from Kaepernick’s representatives on Oct. 10, where they claimed they received “little to no response” from all 32 teams in regards to possible opportunities for the football pro.
The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback confirmed he would be attending the workout in a tweet on Tuesday night.
“I’m just getting word from my representatives that the NFL league office reached out to them about a workout in Atlanta on Saturday,” he wrote on Twitter. “I’ve been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday.”
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In 2016, Kaepernick made headlineswhen he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest systemic oppression and police brutality.
A year later, in March, the athlete opted out of his contract with the 49ers and has not been signed to a new team since.
He filed a collusion grievance with the NFL in May 2018 which wassettled out of courtin February, according to a statement from his attorneys, who also confirmed a settlement was reached with Eric Reid, 27 — one of the first players to join him in his protest.
Later that year, Kaepernick took a stance for his movement in the September 2018 Nike commercial, “Dream Crazy.”
In the commercial, the quarterback narrates an inspiring message about the power of dreaming big and encourages fans to “believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
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His monologue not only references the #TakeaKnee movement he spearheaded in 2016 but also honors other legendary athletes who have overcome career challenges, including NBA starLebron James, tennis greatSerena Williams,U.S. Women’s National Soccer Teamand other incredible athletes who have defied the odds.
The 2-minute ad — which was part of the company’s 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign — receivedthe Emmy award for outstanding commercialat the 2019 Creative Arts Emmys.
“Today marks the three year anniversary of the first time I protested systemic oppression,” Kaepernick wrote in atweetfrom Aug. 14. “I continue to work and stand with the people in our fight for liberation, despite those who are trying to erase the movement!”
“The movement has always lived with the people!” he added.
source: people.com
