Despite not being on a roster, Colin Kaepernick continues to dominate NFL headlines. Although this move won’t necessarily ruffle feathers in the present, it feels safe to assume it will eventually. The latest is that Colin Kaepernick and One World (property of Random House) have agreed to a book deal worth in the neighborhood of $1 million.
According to the report by Page Six:
Kaepernick had been seen “taking meetings with publishers in the New York offices of WME” to shop the planned book. He’s repped as an athlete by agent Carlos Fleming, and the book deal, we hear, went through Andy McNicol on the Hollywood agency lit department.
Signing a book deal is a bit of a head-scratcher for Kaepernick. Throughout this whole ordeal, Kaepernick has been almost eerily silent. If he is ready to give more voice to his cause, a book could take six months to a year to write, if not longer. So any clarity the book may provide might help his public (mis)perception, but by the time it’s released any chances of Kaepernick getting back in the NFL (if there’s any left) will probably be gone.
On the other hand, a book might offer Kaepernick his best platform. He can tell his story in its entirety, from his perspective. It can be done privately. And it will primarily reach his supporters.
Excerpts from the book will almost certainly make appearances on news outlets. Whether or not Kaepernick is comfortable as the face (and lead villain) of the NFL anthem protest or not, he’s exactly that. However, one would think there wouldn’t be much of an overlap between readers of Kaepernick’s book and people who name him as their primary reason to not watch the NFL. So, in that sense, maybe Colin Kaepernick sees a book as his best opportunity to speak directly to those already receptive to his message.
For the time being, this news isn’t as big as a prospective lawsuit by Kaepernick against the NFL coming down the pike. Kaepernick may also appear at the next round of meetings between players and owners.
Colin Kaepernick was invited by #NFL players to attend next meeting w/ owners and will attend. Players are happy to have him join, I’m told.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) October 25, 2017
Whenever the book is released, count on another round of Colin Kaepernick debates and talking points.
