What is Colin Kaepernick’s net worth and career earnings?
An American football player and social activist, Colin Kaepernick has a net worth estimated at $20 million. Over the course of six seasons in the NFL, from 2011 to 2016, he amassed over $43 million in earnings from salary (before taxes and fees). His highest salary during his NFL career reached $14.3 million in the 2016 season. Kaepernick is notably recognized for his advocacy for civil rights and politics, particularly for kneeling during the national anthem at NFL games to protest against racial inequality and police brutality.
Early Life
Born on November 3, 1987, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Colin Rand Kaepernick was put up for adoption by his birth mother. He became the third child of Rick and Teresa Kaepernick, who had previously adopted Kyle and Devon. After losing two sons due to heart defects, the Kaepernicks sought to adopt a boy. Until the age of four, they resided in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, before relocating to California. At John H. Pitman High School in Turlock, California, Kaepernick excelled as a student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA, primarily focusing on baseball and receiving several college scholarship offers. However, he opted to pursue football and earned a position at the University of Nevada. Throughout his college football career, he was frequently recognized as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, receiving various honors and setting multiple records. Notably, he was named the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Offensive Player of the Year on two occasions and became the first player in NCAA Division I FBS history to achieve 10,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards during his career.
NFL Career
Selected by the Chicago Cubs in 2009, Colin opted out of the MLB to continue his football career. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, starting as a backup quarterback until 2012. Kaepernick stood out during the 2012 season, leading the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII, where they ultimately lost to the Baltimore Ravens with a score of 31-34. In the 2013 season, he guided the 49ers to the NFC Championship game, suffering a defeat against the Seattle Seahawks.
During the third preseason game of 2016, Kaepernick chose to sit out the national anthem, breaking away from the tradition of standing. This act served as a protest against racial injustice, police brutality, and systemic oppression in the U.S. The following week and throughout the regular season, he chose to kneel during the anthem, sparking heated responses and discussions both in favor of and against his actions. His protest gained significant media attention, especially after President Donald Trump remarked in September 2017 that NFL owners should “fire” players who kneel during the anthem.
After that season, Kaepernick became a free agent, but no team signed him. Although he participated in a workout with the Las Vegas Raiders in May 2022, he remains outside the league as of now.
Record Contract
In June 2014, Colin signed a seven-year extension with the 49ers. This deal valued at up to $126 million could have brought him $61 million in potential guarantees. Included in the extension were a $12.3 million signing bonus and a $640,000 salary for the upcoming season. Notably, that $13 million constituted the only fully guaranteed part of the contract, while the $61 million in potential guarantees was only achievable if Kaepernick faced a career-ending injury. At the time, this contract represented a record in the NFL.
According to the contract’s structure,Colin’s base salary decreased by $2 million for each year he was not selected for the first or second All-Pro team or if the 49ers did not participate in the Super Bowl the previous season (given that Colin played at least 80% of the snaps). Consequently, his initial base salary of $12.4 million at the start of the 2015 season was trimmed down to $10.4 million.
In March 2017, Kaepernick realized the 49ers intended to release him. To take control of his future, he chose to opt out of his contract, aiming to become a free agent. Ultimately, Colin accrued $39 million from his landmark $126 million contract.
NFL Lawsuit And Settlement
In 2017, Colin filed a grievance against the NFL, claiming that the league and team owners colluded to prevent him from playing due to his choice to kneel during the National Anthem. The case was resolved privately in February 2019, with the amount remaining undisclosed. Reports from several sports news outlets on February 18, 2019, suggested that the settlement figure might have ranged between $60 – $80 million. However, a month later, it was disclosed that the actual settlement amount was more likely around $10 million.
Getty
Nike Contract
Kaepernick secured his initial endorsement deal with Nike in 2011. Many speculated that Nike chose not to renew their contract after Colin remained unsigned following the 2017 season. However, in 2018, the company celebrated the 30th anniversary of the “Just Do It” campaign with an advertisement featuring Kaepernick that read, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” This revealed that Nike had been consistently backing Colin, eventually appointing him as a brand ambassador. According to NFL reporter Charles Robinson from Yahoo, Nike continues to compensate Colin with a contract comparable to that of current star NFL players, amounting to millions per year, inclusive of royalties from merchandise associated with Kaepernick.
Personal Life
Since he was ten years old, Kaepernick’s family has owned a pet African spurred tortoise named Sammy. He was baptized in the Methodist faith, confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and attended a Baptist church during his college years. Kaepernick adopted a vegan diet in late 2015.
In July 2015, Kaepernick reportedly began dating Nessa Diab, a radio personality and television host, officially going public with their relationship in February 2016.
The couple co-founded the Know Your Rights Camp, an initiative that provided free seminars for underprivileged youths, focusing on self-empowerment, American history, and legal rights. In April 2020, the organization launched a relief fund for individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Kaepernick contributing $100,000.
In February 2020, Kaepernick established Kaepernick Publishing, through which he is set to release a memoir in collaboration with Audible.
In October 2021, Netflix premiered “Colin in Black & White,” a six-episode limited series co-created by Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay, detailing Colin’s adolescence.
Real Estate
In 2017, Kaepernick soldAt a price of $3.075 million, Kaepernick listed his home in San Jose, California. This two-story residence boasts four bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, and almost 4,600 square feet of living space. Features include a wall aquarium, a full bar, a pool, a spa, and a waterfall. Having acquired the property in 2014 for $2.7 million, Kaepernick made significant renovations.
In July 2016, Kaepernick bought a luxury two-bedroom condo in New York City for $3.21 million. The Tribeca apartment, spanning 1,733 square feet, reportedly provides 24-hour concierge service, a swimming pool, a private health club, and parking facilities. He listed this apartment for sale in April 2024 at the same price of $3.21 million.