Ready For Chicago, 49ers' Colin Kaepernick Stands Hopeful In Goal For Social Change
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- By simply taking a knee during the national anthem as a form of protest, 49ers quarterback Colin Kapernick inspired a movement.
Reactions to Kaepernick's action have ranged, but that was his intention -- to raise awareness for social injustices. Speaking to Bears beat reporters through teleconference on Wednesday, Kaepernick outlined his goal.
"For me, I want to try to help create change and also help empower other people, other organizations that are doing the work to continue to do the work, and people who aren't to get involved and help create that change, because this isn't something that's going to be changed by one person or a couple people," Kaepernick said. "It's going to take communities coming together creating the change that needs to be made and the country coming together and creating the change.
"There's always going to be backlash when you fight for different ideologies and different beliefs and different rights. That has been proven throughout history. For me, it's not something I'm concerned with. I knew that backlash was going to come when I initially took this stance, and I know it will continue to come."
Kaepernick and the 49ers, who are 1-10, travel to Chicago this weekend to face the 2-9 Bears. Subplots for this contest will focus on two of the NFL's worst records and the likely high draft picks to come. The Bears could use their top pick to draft a quarterback. Meanwhile, Kaepernick has re-emerged as the 49ers' starter after beginning the season on the bench.
Strong recent play from Kaepernick has come during a season that will be remembered for him sparking a call for change. Kaepernick first began taking a knee during a national anthem in the preseason, which led other players around the league to join him.
49ers coach Chip Kelly admires Kaepernick's ability to compartmentalize football with his fight for social change.
"Colin's done a really good job of just understanding that when he comes to work, it's work," Kelly said. "He keeps that separate from what we do here. It's not an issue in the locker room, it's not an issue with the team. I think he's been very professional with his approach of everything we've asked him to do since he's been here."
Added Kaepernick: "For me, there's a time and a place for everything. When the focus is football, that's what I'm focused on. When I'm asked questions on social justice or human rights, that's the topic I'm talking about in that moment. It's really being able to live in the moment and being able to know when it's appropriate to talk about these things and go to work on these things."
Last Sunday, Kaepernick faced his most hostile atmosphere in Miami, in light of comments made of Fidel Castro, the former Cuban dictator who died late Friday night. Miami boasts a large Cuban population, much of which defected to South Florida shores from the country.
Soldier Field on Sunday could perhaps offer many emotions, especially given Chicago's violence issues and the relationship with local police. Kaepernick's activism extends to Chicago, which included a donation to the local Black Youth Project. He also plans to become further educated on ways in which he can make a difference in Chicago.
Kaepernick's movement has drawn many emotions this season. His hope is that taking a knee can lead to making a difference.
"Ultimately," he said, "it's going to take a lot of people, a lot of effort, a lot of time to create the true change that needs to happen."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.