Colin Kaepernick made history and headlines while courting controversy last season, for his protest involving kneeling during the National Anthem. Now the former 49ers quarterback will make history once more as his assorted memorabilia, including one of the jersey’s that he wore during his protest, have been donated by renowned sociologist, and 49ers advisor Harry Edwards, to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, according to USA Today Sports.
Edwards told the paper, “I said, ‘Don’t wait 50 years to try to get some memorabilia and so forth on Kaepernick. Let me give you a game jersey, some shoes, a picture … And it should be put right there alongside Muhammad Ali. He’s this generation’s Ali. Ali created a conversation…same thing with Kaepernick. He sparked a national conversation about race.’ ”
Damion Thomas, the museum’s curator of sports, told USA Today Sports that while they are not currently on display, the items could be rotated into exhibits within a year or two.
While this news should underscore the impact that Kaepernick’s protest had last season, the controversy surrounding his actions is speculated by some to have hurt his chances at finding a new team this offseason, with some organizations reportedly feeling that Kaepernick isn’t worth the controversy he brings.
Kaepernick has reportedly drawn interest from several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, but has yet to be offered an official contract.