Jim Harbaugh watches former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick throw passes at halftime of the Michigan spring game April 2, 2022 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Mich Spring

Colin Kaepernick has been out of the NFL since 2016 but he firmly believes that he deserves a chance to prove he can still play quarterback in the league.

After putting on a throwing demonstration during halftime of Michigan’s spring game on Saturday, the 34-year-old spoke with WXYZ reporter Jeanna Trotman and said that he wants to prove that he’s still an NFL-caliber player.

“We still get out there and sling it,” Kaepernick told Trotman. “Really, getting out here for the exhibition was to show that I can still do it. It’s one of the questions my agent keeps getting, so we want to make sure we can come out, show everyone I can still play, still throw it.”

The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback also shared that he would be willing to take on a backup role in order to prove himself once more.

“I can help make you a better team, I can help you win games,” Kaepernick said. “I know right now the situation likely won’t allow me to come in, step into a starting role. I know I’ll be able to work my way to that though and show that very quickly.”

Kaepernick certainly proved he’s still got an arm with some of the throws he showed off on Saturday.

He also continued to impress Michigan players with his play on the field and athletic ability.

 

“Growing up in Reno, I was a 49er fan. So I always watched Coach Harbaugh as the 49ers and Kap was always the QB,” Wolverines quarterback Cade McNamara told reporters. “But I’ve thrown with him a couple times this week. He’s got a rocket and he can sling it for sure. He’s been nothing but respectful to me.”

Colin has been making the rounds in recent weeks with different workouts while making it very clear that his hope is for an NFL team to sign him. The Seattle Seahawks were thought to be a prime spot for him to land but, so far, the organization has not continued discussions with him.

[Jeanna Trotman, ESPN]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.