Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Colin Kaepernick and the NFL

Hernandez, Morela,...

Case

Colin Kaepernick and the NFL

Hernandez, Morela; Siragusa, Joseph (Sonny)

OB-1206 | | 12 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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In early August 2017, the majority owner of a popular American football team was facing a troubling dilemma. The preseason was set to start in less than a week, and the team's starting quarterback was battling a devastating knee injury. Unfortunately, the next player in line for this position was still quite green. It was time to explore signing a free-agent quarterback who could give the team a realistic chance to win football games. As he mulled his options, he was aware that Colin Kaepernick was available to sign. The problem was that Kaepernick was responsible for sparking much of the political activism now prominently on display within the NFL. On the one hand, Kaepernick had proven to be a skilled player early in his career. He had led his team to a Super Bowl appearance and back-to-back conference championship games. On the other hand, due to Kaepernick’s protest against racial injustice, he was a risky choice.