This offseason there will be a deluge of reports and signings concerning the hottest free agents and the most scintillating rookies at the NFL combine from outlets that simultaneously ignore the fact that Kaepernick, who holds the NFL’s Super Bowl rushing record for a quarterback, still wants to play football. Kaepernick made headlines when he took a knee in protest of police brutality and opted out of his contract with San Francisco 49ers in 2017 to become a free agent. 

Recently, Cole retweeted a video from The Rich Eisen Show on which Eisen spoke in support of Colin Kaepernick while simultaneously lambasting the NFL’s limp-wristed response to the ongoing clarion call to get the former Pro Bowl QB another shot. This prompted one follower to imply that Kaepernick was no longer in playing condition.

“Respectfully lil bro, how could you know what he has in him and what he doesn’t?” Cole said in response. “And, respectfully, you’re 100% right about throwing against the wind and to ghost db’s. But always remember, he’s been doing that every day for 5 years, when the entire world was saying he had zero shot of ever playing again. Have you ever wanted something  that bad?”

Cole then retweeted the show segment in which Rich Eisen spoke of Kaepernick with the following text mentioning Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Caroll, the organization itself, as well as the Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, Buccaneers, and Tom Brady.

? hello @PeteCarroll @Seahawks @Raiders @Panthers @Buccaneers @TomBrady https://t.co/lEACE6Df0b

— J. Cole (@JColeNC) March 24, 2022

And, respectfully, you’re 100% right about throwing against the wind and to ghost db’s. But always remember, he’s been doing that every day for 5 years, when the entire world was saying he had zero shot of ever playing again.

Have you ever wanted something that bad?

love! https://t.co/dJwdvRMB7h

— J. Cole (@JColeNC) March 24, 2022

“They gave us positive responses. Trainers I’ve talked to, organizations that I’ve talked to, have said ‘You look good’,” Kaepernick told reporters while working out in Seattle. “My arm’s still alive, I’m still ready to go. More than anything, we’re looking to come in, put some work in and show everyone what I can do. More than anything, we want the opportunity to showcase where I’m at.” 

J.Cole has expressed support for Kaepernik in various ways, including a name drop on Miguel’s 2018 track “Come Through And Chill” where he rapped, “In case my lack of reply had you catchin’ them feelings Know you’ve been on my mind like Kaepernick kneelin’ Or police killings, or Trump sayin’ slick shit,Manipulatin’ poor white folks because they’re ig’nant.”

Earlier this month, Cole confirmed his Dreamville festival line up, which features Lil’ Baby, Lil’ Wayne, Wale, Ari Lennox, T-Pain and many more. It all goes down on April 2 and April 3 at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina.