Colin Kaepernick writes New York Jets asking to join practice squad

Former NFL quarterback-turned-activist Colin Kaepernick wrote the New York Jets following the loss of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, imploring them to give him a spot on the team’s practice squad.

“I know the aspirations this season were, and still are, to win a championship, and so that Hall of Fame sized hole will need to be filled as best as possible to keep the team on a Super Bowl track,” the 35-year-old Kaepernick wrote.

FACULTY FREE SPEECH UNDER SCRUTINY WITH EROSION OF ACADEMIC TENURE

“As of right now, Zach Wilson is charged with that task, and I wish him and the rest of the team the best moving forward.”

Kaepernick, whose final game in the NFL was on Jan. 1, 2017, has remained adamant about making a return to the league and capturing a Super Bowl championship. He came close in 2013 when he led the 49ers to the Super Bowl but lost to the Baltimore Ravens.

In his letter to the Jets, the quarterback appears keenly aware that the replacement for Rodgers and the role of backup is for a “veteran” quarterback. Thus, Kaepernick asks the Jets to have the honor of joining the team’s practice squad.

“I would do this with the sole mission of getting your defense ready each week,” he writes.

Following his request, Kaepernick lists a series of benefits his joining the practice squad would bring the Jets.

“It gives your Defense the advantage of getting a truer read on the more mobile/athletic/versatile quarterbacks it will face in weeks 4,5, and 6 (Mahomes, Wilson, and Hurts),” according to Kaepernick.

“This would also allow you guys as an organization to take a real look at where I’m at football wise, in game-like situations against an elite defense, while also not putting and competitive pressure on Zach,” he added. “I understand the importance of keeping him confident and focused as QB1, and I would only look to boost the confidence in any interactions that we may have if I was given this role within the team.”

If Wilson cannot meet the responsibilities incumbent upon him as Rodgers’s replacement, Kaepernick provides a “risk-free contingency plan,” Kaepernick wrote.

“I am sure of my ability to provide you with an elite QB option if, God forbid, QB1 goes down. However, I know that there my naturally be uncertainties from you and possibly others about my playing abilities,” according to Kaepernick. “This plan, I believe, allows me to be of great service to the team as a practice squad QB, while aslo giving you a low-commitment chance to assess my capabilities to help in any other capacity you may see fit.”

In concluding his letter, Kaepernick detailed his rigorous training schedule and offered a list of references to vouch for his character, including his former coach and current University of Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and Mark Davis, the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Kaepernick’s letter was made public by the rapper J. Cole.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“I asked Colin @kaepernick7 if I could share this letter with the world. He was reluctant,” the artist posted to Instagram with Kaepernick’s statement. “My argument was that I believe the people and all organizations should know the truth about how hard he works and how much he still wants to play. And always has. In the end, he agreed to let me.”

“I wish the @nyjets organization luck. My boy @bas is a big ass fan so I saw the heartbreak of every Jets fan when Arod went down @richeisen Everyone from players, to coaches, to execs are feeling the pressure I’m sure. I hope y’all can turn it around, and I hope there’s a spot out there for my boy Kap. PEACE.”