Colin Kaepernick is a former professional American football player known for his role as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016, where he gained recognition for his athletic skills and leadership on the field. Kaepernick led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII in 2013. Kaepernick is also widely known for his activism, particularly for his protests against racial injustice and police brutality. In 2016, he began kneeling during the national anthem to raise awareness about these issues, sparking national conversations and debates about social justice and the role of athletes in activism.