​When 18-year-old Nolan Wells of Mississippi went missing and was later found dead, a group of Black activists sprang into action, with Colin Kaepernick among them. Wells disappeared after joining friends on a boat trip last Saturday and never returned, and his body was discovered afterward. Because Wells’ parents distrusted the state’s handling of the autopsy, Kaepernick stepped forward with his organization to oversee an independent examination. This is just one example of the many avenues Kaepernick has pursued since ending his NFL career.
Kaepernick’s decision to kneel in protest against racial injustice effectively ended his time in the league. Although he pursued a return to professional football for years, several teams hesitated to sign him, wary of the controversy that surrounded him. In hindsight, that stance may have been a blessing in disguise. Off the field, he has wielded more influence and power, turning his activism into a force for change that has encouraged others to stand up on various issues after his ban from the league.
His activism has not been loud or boastful; rather, it has operated with a quiet persistence. The Wells case illustrates this approach. Through his Know Your Rights Camp, Kaepernick has developed initiatives designed to support communities in concrete, practical ways. One notable program is the Autopsy Initiative, which aims to ensure grieving families receive accurate, transparent, and scientifically sound information about the causes of death of their loved ones. The foundation also covers the costs of autopsies when there are questions surrounding a death, as in Wells’ case.
There are many families who now sleep a little more restfully because of the work Kaepernick has championed. His advocacy has brought attention to injustices and systemic issues in ways that his on-field achievements once did not, and that impact feels more enduring and far-reaching than any touchdown or championship. This is not merely about his past in football; it is about the ongoing difference he is trying to make in people’s lives through informed, respectful, and compassionate action.
This piece originally appeared on Touchdown Wire, highlighting how Colin Kaepernick’s activism has had a broader impact than his NFL career.