Colin Kaepernick’s NFL Teams At A Glance
Colin Kaepernick played quarterback in the National Football League exclusively for the San Francisco 49ers. Drafted in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, he served as the 49ers’ starter from 2012 to 2016 and led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2012 season. He became a free agent after the 2016 season and did not sign with another NFL team, which later prompted his grievance regarding league collusion.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Team(s) Played For | San Francisco 49ers (2011–2016) | NFL records |
| Draft Year & Round | 2011, 2nd round (36th overall) | NFL Draft data |
| Starting Seasons | 2012–2016 | 49ers official archives |
| Super Bowl | XLVII (2012 season), loss to Baltimore Ravens | NFL game logs |
| Contract Status After 2016 | Unrestricted free agent; no subsequent NFL signing | Team announcements |
Early Career And College
Before reaching the NFL, Kaepernick played college football at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he became the school’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns for a quarterback and won the WAC Offensive Player of the Year award as a senior. His dual-threat ability helped make him a visible prospect in the 2011 NFL Draft, leading to his selection by San Francisco.
Years With The San Francisco 49ers
Kaepernick joined the 49ers in 2011 as a backup before taking over as starter in 2012. During his time with the team, he posted notable statistical performances and helped San Francisco reach Super Bowl XLVII. After the 2016 season, he entered free agency and remained unsigned, which became central to his legal claim that the league conspired to keep him out of the NFL.
Stats Summary With The 49ers
In his five full seasons as a starter, Kaepernick compiled strong combined numbers in passing and rushing, with particular recognition for his ability to extend plays with his legs. The following table summarizes his key career totals during his time with the 49ers.
| Statistic | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 11,926 | Regular season |
| Passing TDs | 72 | Regular season |
| Rushing Yards | 6,313 | Regular season; NFL QB record at the time |
| Rushing TDs | 62 | Regular season |
| Games Started | 62 | 2013–2016 |
Free Agency, Grievance, And League Status
After the 2016 season, Kaepernick changed his contractual status and opted out of his deal, becoming a free agent. Despite stating availability, he did not sign with any team and later filed a grievance alleging that NFL owners colluded to keep him from being hired. The grievance was settled in 2019, though he has not returned to an NFL roster. His standing remains a notable topic at the intersection of sports, activism, and league policy.
Context And Comparisons
Unlike many quarterbacks who move between teams, Kaepernick’s post-free-agency path has been defined more by activism and legal processes than by subsequent playing opportunities. Understanding his career is best framed around his time with San Francisco, where he served as starter for multiple seasons, rather than by teams in other cities. This clarity helps separate playing history from ongoing conversations about league dynamics and player rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Colin Kaepernick ever play for another team besides the 49ers?
- Why didn’t Kaepernick sign with another team after 2016?
- Is Colin Kaepernick still eligible to play in the NFL?
- What teams are commonly confused with his career path?
- How does his grievance affect his status?
It keeps his case in public and legal discussions, though it has not resulted in an NFL return.
No, he played only for San Francisco in the NFL.
He became a free agent and was not signed, leading to his grievance about collusion.
He remains eligible in principle, but has not been on a roster since leaving the 49ers.
Some assume he played for other NFC West teams; in reality, his only NFL team was the 49ers.