Kaepernick reflects on voting and Mamdani’s influence
Colin Kaepernick says he now regrets his decision not to vote in the 2016 presidential election, calling that strategy irresponsible after seeing the consequences of the election. The former NFL quarterback says his views on political participation have changed, even though his concerns about injustice remain.
Kaepernick also praises New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, citing him as an example of political leadership that can create real impact. His comments offer a closer look at how Kaepernick’s approach to political change has evolved.
His 2016 decision followed his protest
In 2016, Kaepernick was playing quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers while protesting racial injustice and police violence. He did not vote in that year’s presidential election because he believed neither candidate would change a system he viewed as oppressive toward people of color.
At the time, Kaepernick said the election’s outcome would not change his view that the system continued to oppress people of color. His decision became part of the wider public debate surrounding his national anthem protest.
Kaepernick now calls the strategy irresponsible
Kaepernick says his concerns about oppression have not disappeared, but he now views abstaining from voting differently. He told NBC News that the consequences of not voting became clearer to him after the 2016 election.
He specifically cited changes involving the Supreme Court and federal judges. Kaepernick said the intention behind his earlier position was understandable, but he now believes the strategy of not participating in electoral politics was ineffective.
He voted in the 2020 and 2024 elections
Kaepernick says he voted for Democratic candidates in both the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. That marks a clear change from his public decision not to vote in the 2016 presidential election.
He says his decision reflects a changed view of electoral participation while maintaining his broader concerns about political and social systems.
Kaepernick praises Zohran Mamdani
Kaepernick also discussed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in a recent NBC News interview. He said he sees “real impact” coming from Mamdani and described the mayor as a politician who inspires him.
Kaepernick praised Mamdani’s emphasis on prioritizing people’s needs, holding leaders accountable and delivering results. He also said seeing politicians govern in that way could encourage more people to become politically engaged.
Why Kaepernick is praising Mamdani
Kaepernick pointed to Mamdani as an example of a political leader who is making a noticeable impact. He praised the mayor’s focus on meeting people’s needs, holding leaders accountable, and delivering results.
Kaepernick also said Mamdani’s rise shows how years of organizing and activism can create conditions for political change. His comments suggest that he sees electoral politics as another avenue for the kind of broader change he has long advocated.
Affordability is central to Mamdani’s agenda
Mamdani campaigned heavily on reducing living costs for New Yorkers. His platform included proposals involving a rent freeze for rent-stabilized apartments, universal child care, free bus service and city-owned grocery stores.
As mayor, Mamdani has continued emphasizing affordability as a major policy priority. His administration has focused on housing, transportation and child care as part of that agenda.
Mamdani has gained national political attention
Mamdani’s political influence has extended beyond City Hall during his first year in office. In June 2026, three candidates he endorsed won Democratic U.S. House primaries in New York.
The Associated Press reported that Mamdani-backed candidates defeated three establishment-backed opponents, including two sitting members of Congress. The victories highlighted his growing influence within New York’s Democratic Party.
Interesting fact: Kaepernick led the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII after taking over as the starting quarterback during the 2012 season.
Kaepernick sees political participation differently
Kaepernick’s comments connect his changed view of voting with his broader approach to social activism. He continues to advocate for challenging systems he considers unjust while acknowledging that electoral participation can have significant consequences.
His comments do not indicate that he considers elections sufficient by themselves. Instead, he presents electoral participation as one way people can seek political and social change.
Interesting fact: Kaepernick is set to receive the Muhammad Ali Center’s 2026 Humanitarian of the Year award.
His activism began with a 2016 protest
Kaepernick gained national attention in 2016 when he protested during the national anthem at NFL games. He initially sat before later kneeling, saying he wanted to protest racial injustice and the treatment of people of color.
The protest spread beyond Kaepernick as other NFL players adopted similar demonstrations. He has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season and has continued his activism and publishing work.
The memoir arrives ten years after the protest
The release of The Perilous Fight comes roughly 10 years after Kaepernick first knelt during the national anthem. The memoir is scheduled for publication on September 15, 2026, and Kaepernick narrates the audiobook.
The book revisits his childhood, football career, protest and activism. It offers Kaepernick an opportunity to explain how his views developed since his protest began.
The internet is also talking about Donald Trump preparing to host Irish Open as golf stars descend on Doonbeg.
Kaepernick’s political views continue evolving
Kaepernick’s latest comments show a change in his approach to voting since 2016. He now recognizes electoral participation as significant while continuing to support broader activism around racial justice and social change.
His praise of Mamdani comes as the New York mayor has gained national political attention. Together, the comments highlight Kaepernick’s changing view of how electoral participation can contribute to political and social change.
In other news, Kai Trump puts college party life aside to pursue her golf ambitions in Miami.
Read on to see what Kaepernick revealed, then like and comment with your take.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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