Carlos Hyde Says Signing Colin Kaepernick Is the Only Way the NFL Can Prove it Cares About Social Justice
Colin Kaepernick‘s name is making waves through the national media with the numerous protests happening across the country. After George Floyd’s death, athletes from around the globe have stepped up to address racial injustice in America. Kaepernick was one of the first to bring this issue to light, and now he doesn’t have an NFL job. Many believe Kaepernick was blackballed by the league because of his national anthem protests. Carlos Hyde, Kaepernick’s former teammate on the San Fransico 49ers, just became the latest NFL player to call out the league for not signing the controversial QB.
Carlos Hyde and Colin Kaepernick were teammates for 3 seasons
Carlos Hyde and Colin Kaepernick enjoyed some of the best years of their NFL careers while in the same backfield together. From 2014-2016, the duo ran the read-option with the 49ers.
Over their three seasons together, Hyde and Kaepernick combined for 61 touchdowns and over 3,000 rushing yards in San Fransisco. Although their prolific numbers in the ground game were evident, it didn’t lead to tremendous team success.
From 2014-2016, the 49ers amassed a combined record of 15-33. They missed the playoffs in all three seasons, and both players moved on from San Fransisco shortly after their stint together.
The NFL said it was wrong for not listening to players about black oppression earlier
RELATED: Colin Kaepernick May Finally Have a Path Back to the NFL
When Colin Kaepernick spoke out against systematic racism in the country and kneeled for the national anthem, he was condemned by the NFL. After the 2016 season, no team has even touched the QB.
Last Friday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a video statement about black oppression in America and the numerous protests happening around the country.
“It has been a difficult time for our country, in particular black people in our country,” Goodell said. “First, my condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all the families who have endured police brutality. We, the National Football League condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We the National Football League admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We the National Football League believe black lives matter.”
Good on the NFL for admitting its mistake with Kaepernick, but that doesn’t help him much now. Teams are still hesitant to sign the quarterback today because of the media attention he would bring to the locker room.
Carlos Hyde says signing Kaepernick will prove the NFL cares about racial injustice
Goodell’s words may have resonated with some NFL players, but Carlos Hyde wasn’t as convinced. He says the only way the league can prove it cares deeply about this issue is by giving Kaepernick another chance.
“What can the NFL do? I think the NFL can start by signing Kap back,” Hyde told reporters Monday. “I think if they sign Kap back that will show that they’re really trying to move in a different direction because Kap was making a statement four years ago about what’s going on in today’s world and the NFL didn’t bother to listen to him then. So I think they should start by doing that.”
Hyde speaks for a majority of the league, but his comments carry more weight as a former teammate of Kaepernick’s. Hyde’s current team, the Seattle Seahawks, have expressed interest in Kaepernick in the past. Could we see the duo in the same backfield again soon?
