“If Kaepernick Were Still in the NFL Today, He’d Be the Face of the League” — Ryan Clark Speaks Out
Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark sparked a wave of conversation recently by asserting that if Colin Kaepernick were still active in today’s NFL, he would not just be relevant—he’d be the most talked-about, recognizable player in the entire league.
“If Colin Kaepernick was still in the NFL today… he’d be the face of the league.”
— Ryan Clark
The Allure of Kaepernick: Talent Meets Cultural Impact
Clark’s statement pulls into sharp relief the enduring power of Kaepernick’s dual legacy: unrivaled athleticism and seismic cultural impact. Beyond his dynamic skill set as a dual-threat quarterback, Kaepernick’s bold protest—kneeling during the national anthem to stand against racial injustice and police brutality—propelled him into cultural and political prominence. He became a lightning rod for discussion on sport, activism, and social change .
Clark reportedly elaborated that Kaepernick embodied a rare blend of on-field excellence and off-field leadership—a convergence that would position him alongside, or even above, today’s elite stars like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow.
Shielded by Silence: The NFL’s Unspoken Exclusion
Although Kaepernick has never been officially banned from the NFL, he has remained unsigned since 2016—a fact widely interpreted as an unspoken blackballing stemming from the political repercussions of his protest . His kneeling sparked both fervent support and fierce backlash: while some praised the courage behind his stance, others condemned the act as unpatriotic, driving deep divisions within and beyond the sport .
What Clark’s Observation Really Means
By envisioning Kaepernick as the “face of the league,” Ryan Clark is recognizing more than athletic prowess. He’s acknowledging:
Symbolic resonance: Kaepernick’s influence extends into culture and conscience, a rarity among today’s athletes. Leadership beyond the field: His willingness to take a stand—literally kneeling for the marginalized—makes him a figure of moral authority. Unrealized marketability: In a social-media-driven era obsessed with stories, Kaepernick’s narrative remains untapped by the NFL’s current framework.
Clark’s words hint at a missed opportunity—not merely for league branding, but for a broader reckoning with how the NFL engages with athletes’ voices and activism.
Quick Snapshot
Aspect
Details
Clark’s Assertion
Kaepernick would be the league’s most talked-about and recognizable player
Reasons Cited
Exceptional talent, leadership, and cultural influence
NFL Absence
Unsigned since 2016 amid perceived blackballing following protests
Legacy Impact
Catalyst for athlete-led social activism within and beyond sport
Final Thought
Ryan Clark’s comment isn’t just a bold hypothetical—it’s a reflection on the NFL’s evolving identity. It asks whether the league today would embrace someone willing to merge sporting excellence with moral courage. In that light, Kaepernick isn’t just a former quarterback; he’s a mirror showing how far pro sports have or haven’t come.
