According to his longtime partner, media personality Nessa Diab, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback is still training relentlessly in hopes of landing another shot at pro football.
In a recent conversation with TMZ Sports in New York City, Nessa confirmed that the 37-year-old athlete remains laser-focused on returning to the league, despite being out of action for nearly a decade.
“All day, every day! Nothing has changed — nothing!” she exclaimed when asked if Kaepernick is still chasing his NFL dream.
Still Grinding Despite the Odds
Kaepernick has been a free agent since the end of the 2016 NFL season, when he last suited up for the 49ers. While the league has evolved considerably since then, Nessa insists Colin’s dedication to the game has never wavered. From daily gym sessions to organized workouts, he continues to prepare for the moment when — or if — a general manager gives him another shot.
Back in 2022, Kaepernick worked out for the Las Vegas Raiders, though the team ultimately chose not to sign him. That workout marked his most recent official NFL audition. Prior to that, the Seattle Seahawks had shown interest in 2020 but also declined to bring him on board.
In 2019, he made headlines for organizing his own workout at a high school in Atlanta, where representatives from seven NFL teams came to watch him throw — another sign of his commitment to prove he still has the skills to compete at the highest level.
Coaching Offer Turned Down
Kaepernick did have an opportunity to return to the NFL ecosystem in 2023, but not as a player. The Los Angeles Chargers, under head coach Jim Harbaugh (who once coached Kaepernick in San Francisco), offered him a coaching position. While many saw it as a potential first step back into the league, Kaepernick declined the offer — a move that signaled his unwavering desire to play, not coach.
From Super Bowl QB to Cultural Icon
Before he became a household name for his kneeling protest during the national anthem — a silent gesture that sparked nationwide debate over police brutality and racial injustice — Colin Kaepernick was one of the NFL’s most exciting young quarterbacks.
Drafted by the 49ers in 2011, he became the team’s full-time starter in 2012 and quickly led them to Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, where they narrowly lost to the Baltimore Ravens. Over six seasons, Kaepernick threw for 72 touchdowns and rushed for 13 more, earning a reputation as a dual-threat QB with explosive athleticism.
But in 2016, Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem sparked a political firestorm that many believe played a role in his continued absence from the NFL. Despite settling a collusion lawsuit against the league in 2019, he has not been offered a contract since.
Life Beyond the Field
Outside of football, Kaepernick remains active in social justice circles and philanthropy. He founded the Know Your Rights Camp, an initiative aimed at empowering youth and promoting civil rights education. He’s also penned a memoir and collaborated on documentaries chronicling his life, activism, and professional journey.
In 2022, Kaepernick and Nessa welcomed their first child, marking a new chapter in the quarterback’s personal life. However, fatherhood hasn’t slowed him down — Nessa’s comments make it clear that Kap is still eyeing a triumphant return to the gridiron.
Final Thoughts
At 37, Colin Kaepernick’s window to make an NFL comeback may be narrowing, but his determination appears as strong as ever. While the league continues to evolve and newer quarterbacks take center stage, Kap’s message — and his mission — remain unchanged.
Whether or not another team gives him a chance, one thing’s for certain: Colin Kaepernick isn’t done fighting for his place in football history — on and off the field.
