Colin Kaepernick, who played quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016, is likely better known now for his daring advocacy. His choice to kneel during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice and police brutality was particularly remarkable.
Given his celebrity, the question of “Colin Kaepernick’s salary” has piqued the interest of many. This article looks at Colin Kaepernick’s career earnings and net worth. It talks about his time in the NFL, his high-paying contracts, and his effect on sports and social justice.
Colin Kaepernick’s Net Worth
Colin Kaepernick’s net worth amounts to approximately $20 million as of right now. Even though he made a lot of money in the NFL, he has stayed financially stable thanks in large part to his social work and endorsements.
Early Career and Becoming an NFL Star
When the San Francisco 49ers picked him in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Colin Kaepernick’s rise to fame in the NFL started. Before joining the NFL, Kaepernick was chosen for baseball by the Chicago Cubs, but he chose to play football instead.
Colin Kaepernick’s NFL Career Earnings
Kaepernick played in the NFL for six years, from 2011 to 2016. During that time, he made an income of $43 million, not including taxes and fees. In 2016, when he made $14.3 million, it was his highest NFL pay. But his contract was unusual in that his base pay went down if he didn’t make the All-Pro team or if the 49ers didn’t make it to the Super Bowl.
Record Contract and Settlement
Colin signed a groundbreaking seven-year extension with the 49ers in June 2014. The deal could be worth up to $126 million, with up to $61 million guaranteed. But most of this guaranteed money was based on Colin getting into an accident that would end his career. In the end, he made $39 million from this deal, which set a new record.
Activism and NFL Lawsuit
Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality started a discussion all over the country. In 2017, he filed a complaint against the NFL, saying that team owners were working together to keep him out of the league because of his political work.
This lawsuit was settled secretly in February 2019. At first, the settlement was said to be between $60 million and $80 million, but it was later found to be closer to $10 million.
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Nike Endorsement
Colin’s collaboration with Nike started in 2011, but many people thought it was over while he was out of the NFL. But in 2018, Nike started an encouraging ad campaign with Colin that had the slogan “Believe in something. Even if I have to give up everything.”
This effort showed that Nike had stuck by him the whole time. He became a brand ambassador and got a contract on par with other NFL stars, which included royalties from an apparel line with his name on it.
Colin Kaepernick Charity
The Know Your Rights Camp is a nonprofit organization that Colin Kaepernick and his partner Nessa co-founded. “to advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders,” reads the charity’s mission statement.
More than $1.75 million has been contributed by the Know Your Rights Camp to support “Black and Brown communities” to help with COVID-19 assistance in those areas.
Investments in Real Estate
Colin Kaepernick has made some big investments in real estate outside of sports. After a lot of work, he sold his home in San Jose, California, for $3.075 million in 2017. In 2016, he also spent $3.21 million on a high-end condo in New York City. This was another way he diversified his interests.
In the end, Colin Kaepernick’s earnings and net worth show how he went from being an NFL star to a social warrior. Even though he has had to deal with trouble and criticism, he has kept his financial success through lucrative contracts, endorsements, and smart real estate investments.
Kaepernick’s legacy goes beyond the numbers. He had a big effect on how sports and social justice are linked in the United States. You can follow our Twitter account and read our most recent posts about your favorite celebrities’ personal lives.