Peter Sblendorio | New York Daily News
Colin Kaepernick reached out to the Jets about a spot on their practice squad following fellow quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles tear, according to a letter shared by rapper J. Cole.
Kaepernick allegedly sent the letter to general manager Joe Douglas on Sept. 21, contending his “sole mission” would be to help prepare the Jets defense in practice, with his mobility mimicking that of upcoming opponents in Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson and Jalen Hurts.
“In a perfect world for the Jets, Zach Wilson finds his stride and shows that he is able to lead this championship caliber team that you’ve put together to the Super Bowl,” reads the letter, which J. Cole posted to Instagram. “I believe a confident Zach Wilson has the tools to do this. However, in the event that this is not the case, I would love to offer you a risk-free contingency plan.”
Kaepernick, 35, hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2016 season. That year, the then-San Francisco 49ers star knelt during the national anthem before games to protest racial injustice in America.
The letter to the Jets says Kaepernick never retired and has maintained a weekday training program the past six years. He worked out for the Las Vegas Raiders last season but didn’t sign a contract.
“Worst case scenario, you see what I have to offer and you’re not that impressed,” the letter reads. “Best case scenario, you realize you have a real weapon at your disposal in the event you ever need to use it.”
Rodgers, whom the Jets acquired in the offseason from the Green Bay Packers, played four snaps in Week 1 before suffering the injury. Wilson, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft, has thrown two touchdowns against four interceptions since stepping in for Rodgers.
During an appearance Tuesday on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers was critical of teammates having outbursts on the sideline in Sunday’s loss to the Patriots, which dropped them to 1-2. Rodgers said the Jets need to “grow up a little bit on offense” after Garrett Wilson and Michael Carter were seen expressing frustrations.
The Jets opted to add veteran Trevor Siemian to their practice squad this week, marking their first quarterback move since Rodgers, 39, went down.
Chad Henne, who won two Super Bowls as Mahomes’ backup with the Chiefs, recently told the Reading Eagle he declined a Jets offer and will remain retired. CBS Sports commentator Matt Ryan also told his network he has “no interest” in a Jets job after Fox Sports reported the team was passing on him and Carson Wentz.
Kaepernick started parts of five seasons with the 49ers, passing for 72 touchdowns against 30 interceptions and rushing for another 13 scores. He led San Francisco to the Super Bowl in 2013 and to the NFC Championship Game the following season.
Kaepernick was initially “reluctant” to let J. Cole share the letter, the rapper wrote.
“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,” J. Cole captioned the post. “And always has. In the end, he agreed to let me.”
Source: Orange County Register
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