It has been nearly a decade since Colin Kaepernick last took a snap in an NFL game. Ten years is an eternity in professional football. For most athletes, a decade-long hiatus means retirement, a quiet life of golf, or maybe a cushy broadcasting gig. But Kaepernick isn’t most athletes.
If you’re wondering what does Colin Kaepernick do now, the answer isn't a single job title. He isn't just "the guy who kneeled" or "the former 49ers quarterback." In 2026, his life is a strange, high-stakes blend of elite athletic training, venture capital, and a surprising deep dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence.
Honestly, it’s a bit surreal. On any given Tuesday, he might be throwing 60-yard bombs on a high school field in a relentless pursuit of a return to the league, only to spend the afternoon in board meetings for his tech startup. He’s 38 now. In the NFL, that’s "old man" territory for anyone not named Tom Brady. Yet, the work continues.
The 2026 NFL Comeback: Is It Still Real?
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. Yes, he is still training.
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His longtime partner, Nessa Diab, recently confirmed that Kaepernick is still "staying ready" and training "all day, every day." It’s a level of dedication that borders on the obsessive, especially considering the last time he played was January 1, 2017.
But here is the reality check: the window is closing, if it hasn't slammed shut already. In late 2025, the United Football League (UFL) basically threw an open invitation his way. Doug Whaley, the UFL’s senior VP of player personnel, made it clear that the league would love to have him. It would give him the "game tape" that NFL scouts have been demanding for years.
Kaepernick hasn't taken the bait.
He seems focused on a direct NFL return, or nothing at all. While he’s still got the arm strength—evidenced by various throwing exhibitions over the last couple of years—teams are hesitant. It’s not just the politics anymore. It’s the rust. It’s the age. It’s the fact that a 38-year-old quarterback who hasn't seen live fire in nine seasons is a massive gamble for any GM.
Why he hasn't signed with the UFL
- The "NFL or Bust" Mentality: Kaepernick likely views the UFL as a step down that might dilute his brand rather than help it.
- Contract Terms: He has always wanted to return on his own terms, which usually involves a specific level of compensation and a genuine shot at a starting role.
- Business Focus: His outside ventures are now so lucrative that playing for a UFL salary (which is modest compared to NFL standards) doesn't make much financial sense.
What Does Colin Kaepernick Do Now in Tech?
If the football talk feels like a loop, his business life is the opposite. It’s moving fast.
Kaepernick has pivoted hard into the tech sector, specifically AI. He recently founded Lumi, an AI-driven storytelling platform. It’s not just some celebrity vanity project; it’s a legitimate attempt to "democratize" content creation. The idea is to give creators tools to produce, publish, and even merchandise their own stories using AI-enhanced workflows.
He’s basically trying to build a system where the "gatekeepers" of Hollywood and the publishing world don't get to decide whose story is worth telling. It’s a natural extension of his activism, just filtered through a Silicon Valley lens.
The Publishing Powerhouse
Beyond the software, there is the literal paper and ink. Kaepernick Publishing, founded in 2019, has become a significant force in the "diverse voices" niche of the book world.
He isn't just putting his own name on covers, though he has done that too. His children's book, I Color Myself Different, was a New York Times bestseller. He also co-authored We Are Free, You & Me with Nessa Diab, released through Scholastic. But the real weight of the company comes from publishing others. He’s released memoirs from figures like former NBA player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf and hockey player Akim Aliu.
Recent Major Releases:
- Abolition For The People: A massive collection of essays edited by Kaepernick himself, calling for the end of policing and prisons.
- Our History Has Always Been Contraband: A scholarly defense of Black Studies in response to recent book bans and curriculum changes.
- Change the Game: A graphic novel memoir aimed at young adults, detailing his own high school years and the choice between baseball and football.
Activism and the Know Your Rights Camp
While the "what does Colin Kaepernick do now" question often focuses on his money or his arm, his heart is still in the Know Your Rights Camp (KYRC).
This isn't just a charity that cuts checks. It’s an operational machine. In late 2025, the organization held its 16th major camp in Oakland, partnering with the WNBA's Golden State Valkyries. These camps are intensive. They don't just talk about "rights"; they provide legal resources, healthy meals, and education on self-empowerment.
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He’s also expanded into the KYRC Autopsy Initiative, which provides free secondary autopsies to families of people who died in "police-related" incidents. It’s grim work, but it addresses a very specific, high-cost hurdle for families seeking what they believe is the truth.
The Financial Reality: Net Worth and Nike
People often assume he’s "broke" because he isn't playing. That couldn't be further from the truth.
Estimates put his net worth around $20 million in 2026. While he hasn't had an NFL paycheck in years, his deal with Nike—the famous "Dream Crazy" campaign—was a watershed moment. That partnership didn't just win an Emmy; it likely secured his financial future.
He also has Ra Vision Media, a production company. They were behind the Netflix series Colin in Black & White. He is making more money as a mogul than many backup quarterbacks make in the league.
The Misconception: He’s Just "Waiting"
A big mistake people make is thinking he’s just sitting by the phone.
He isn't. He’s incredibly busy. He’s a father now—he and Nessa welcomed a daughter in 2022—and he’s managing a multi-pronged empire. The training is part of his identity, sure, but it’s no longer his only identity.
He’s in a weird limbo. To the sports world, he’s a "what if." To the tech and publishing worlds, he’s a serious player. To the activist community, he’s a steady leader.
Actionable Insights: What We Can Learn From the 2026 Kaepernick
If you’re looking at his trajectory, there are a few practical takeaways for anyone navigating a career pivot or a forced "retirement."
- Diversify Early: Kaepernick didn't wait for his football career to end to start thinking about his "brand." He leaned into his values, which created a floor for him when the league moved on.
- Ownership is King: Instead of just being an "influencer" for other brands, he started his own publishing house and tech company. He owns the platforms.
- The Power of "No": By turning down the UFL and coaching offers (like the one reportedly from Jim Harbaugh at the Chargers), he has maintained a specific standard for his brand. Sometimes saying "no" to a lesser opportunity preserves the value of your main goal.
- The Multi-Hyphenate Life: You don't have to be one thing. You can be an athlete and a tech founder and an author. The 2026 economy rewards those who can bridge different worlds.
Whether he ever takes another snap in the NFL is almost beside the point now. Colin Kaepernick has successfully transitioned from being a player in someone else’s game to owning the board himself.
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To stay updated on his specific projects, you can follow the Know Your Rights Camp for social impact work or check out Kaepernick Publishing for new literary releases. If you're interested in the tech side, keeping an eye on Lumi will show how he's trying to change the creative landscape with AI.