Colin Kaepernick cites $150 million loss
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick says his absence from the NFL cost him more than $150 million in earnings. His wife, Nessa Diab, recently described the financial sacrifice while discussing his response publicly.
Diab said she wanted to understand how Kaepernick maintained joy and peace after losing his NFL career and substantial income. The figure comes from Kaepernick’s estimate, rather than a documented, unpaid contract or league calculation.
Kaepernick’s $150 million explained
Kaepernick’s $150 million figure represents his estimate of the financial cost of losing his football career. He told the San Francisco Standard in September 2026 that the financial impact exceeded $150 million.
For comparison, Over the Cap lists Kaepernick’s NFL career earnings at $43,349,296. The figures measure different things: $150 million represents estimated lost earnings, while $43,349,296 reflects his documented NFL contract earnings.
Kaepernick signed $126 million deal
San Francisco signed Kaepernick to a 6-year extension in June 2014 that was worth up to $126 million. NFL.com reported that the deal was initially described as including $61 million in guarantees.
Contract details later showed that much of the money carried conditions, while about $13 million was guaranteed at signing. The agreement also included potential annual salary reductions tied to playing time and performance benchmarks.
Kaepernick posted solid 2016 numbers
Kaepernick remained productive statistically during his final NFL season in 2016. NFL records show he completed 196 of 331 passes for 2,241 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions while appearing in 12 regular-season games.
His 2016 passer rating was 90.7, above his 78.5 mark from 2015. Kaepernick entered free agency after recording more touchdown passes and fewer interceptions than he had during the previous season.
Kaepernick’s final NFL game
Kaepernick’s final NFL appearance came against the Seattle Seahawks on Jan. 1, 2017. He completed 17 of 22 passes for 215 yards and 1 touchdown as San Francisco lost 25 to 23 at Levi’s Stadium.
His final NFL touchdown pass went 9 yards to tight end Garrett Celek with 5:42 remaining. The score cut Seattle’s lead to 25 to 23, but the 49ers never regained possession before the game ended.
Kaepernick reached Super Bowl XLVII
Kaepernick reached Super Bowl XLVII after taking over as San Francisco’s starting quarterback during the 2012 season. Against Baltimore, he completed 16 of 28 passes for 302 yards as the 49ers lost 34 to 31.
He also rushed 7 times for 62 yards and scored a 15-yard touchdown in that Super Bowl. The 49ers said the run was then the longest touchdown by a quarterback in Super Bowl history.
Kaepernick set playoff rushing record
Kaepernick produced a record-setting rushing performance against Green Bay on Jan. 12, 2013. He ran 16 times for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns while passing for 263 yards and 2 more scores.
San Francisco won the divisional playoff game 45 to 31 at Candlestick Park. Kaepernick’s 181 rushing yards set the NFL postseason record for a quarterback, surpassing Michael Vick’s previous playoff mark of 119 yards.
Kaepernick left 49ers contract
Kaepernick opted out of his 49ers contract in March 2017, making him a free agent. NFL Network reported he had been scheduled to receive $16.9 million in salary and bonuses during the upcoming 2017 season.
The decision followed a 2016 restructuring that gave Kaepernick the option to opt out of the deal. He never signed with another NFL team, making the Jan. 1 game against Seattle his final NFL regular-season appearance.
Kaepernick’s NFL grievance settled
Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL in October 2017, alleging that teams colluded to keep him out of the league. The case ended in February 2019 with a confidential settlement involving Kaepernick and Eric Reid.
The NFL Players Association said it supported both players and was not privy to the settlement details. The financial terms were not publicly disclosed, leaving the amount Kaepernick received through the settlement officially unknown.
Fun fact: Colin Kaepernick was indeed selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 43rd round, 1,310th overall, of the 2009 MLB Draft as a right-handed pitcher.
Kaepernick worked out for Raiders
Kaepernick received another NFL opportunity when the Las Vegas Raiders brought him in for a workout on May 25, 2022. NFL Network reported that the session went well and that Kaepernick impressed the team officials in attendance.
The Raiders did not sign him after the workout. Kaepernick also threw for NFL scouts during Michigan’s spring game in April 2022, giving teams another opportunity to evaluate him years after his final NFL appearance.
Kaepernick still trains for NFL
Kaepernick said in September 2026 that his representatives have continued reaching out to NFL teams. He told the San Francisco Standard that the 2022 workout with the Raiders was the most recent public example.
Kaepernick also described maintaining an early morning training routine that includes football and strength work. At age 38, he said he continues preparing so he can be ready if another NFL opportunity becomes available.
Kaepernick releases new memoir
Kaepernick released his memoir, “The Perilous Fight,” on Sept. 15, 2026, through Legacy Lit. Hachette currently lists the e-book at 256 pages and the hardcover at 288 pages, while Kaepernick narrates an Audible audiobook released on the same date.
The memoir arrived 10 years after Kaepernick began his 2016 national anthem protest. The book covers his development as an NFL quarterback, his activism, and the experiences that shaped his decision to protest.
Kaepernick’s latest comments have brought renewed attention to his attempt to return to the NFL. Explore why Colin Kaepernick breaks the silence on the Raiders’ comeback attempt and what he revealed about the opportunity.
Kaepernick renews $1 million pledge
Kaepernick and Know Your Rights Camp announced a renewed $1 million community commitment on Aug. 14, 2026. The organization said the funding will support community organizations through monthly grants during 2027.
The program renews Kaepernick’s original $1 million pledge from 2016. Know Your Rights Camp launched the new commitment on the 10th anniversary of its first preseason protest and described its mission as supporting Black and Brown communities.
Kaepernick’s latest comments have brought renewed attention to the anthem controversy tied to his NFL career. Colin Kaepernick reignites anthem debate with blunt remark reveals what brought the issue back into focus.
What do you think about Colin Kaepernick’s journey since his last NFL game? Share your thoughts in the comments.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
Read More From This Brand:
