Colin Kaepernick's letter to Jets pleading for quarterback role leaked by rapper
Former quarterback Colin Kaepernick has emerged as an unlikely candidate to replace Zach Wilson at the New York Jets, after he sent general manager Joe Douglas a letter to offer his services.
Wilson has struggled since Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills and the Jets are currently 1-2, with even franchise legend Joe Namath calling for the organization to move on from the 24-year-old. Head coach Robert Saleh announced that Wilson remains the starting quarterback as he put blame on the entire roster to support him.
Veteran quarterback Trevor Siemian was signed to the Jets practice squad on Tuesday night as a future option, but Kaepernick has asked to join him. Kaepernick hasn't played in the NFL since the end of the 2016 season, but rapper J-Cole has leaked the letter that was sent to the Jets by the quarterback right after Rodgers got injured.
"I'm writing, of course, in response to the unfortunate loss of Aaron Rodgers," Kaepernick wrote. "I know the aspirations this season were, and still are, to win a championship, and so that Hall of Fame-sized hole will need to be filled as best as possible to keep the team on a Super Bowl track. As of right now, Zach Wilson is charged with that task, and I wish him and the rest of the team the best moving forward.
"However, I know that there are currently depth issues at the position, and I've heard that the back-up spot is likely to be filled by a veteran quarterback. As much as I would love the opportunity to fill that spot, I'm writing to you in hopes that you can imagine a much different approach involving me; I would be honoured and extremely grateful for the opportunity to come in and lead the practice squad."
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Kaepernick went on to explain that he had no intentions of coming in as the new starter, but instead wanted to help coach the Jets practice squad and Wilson. But Kaepernick also hinted he would love the chance to start for them if the opportunity presented itself.
"In a perfect world for the Jets, Zach Wilson finds his stride and shows that he is able to lead this championship calibre team that you've put together to the Super Bowl," Kaepernick added. "I believe a confident Zach Wilson has the tools to do this. However, in the event that this is not the case, I would love to offer you a risk-free contingency plan.
"I am sure of my ability to provide you with an elite QB option if, God forbid, QB1 goes down. However, I know that there may naturally be uncertainties from you and possibly from others about my playing abilities. This plan, I believe, allows me to be of great service to the team as a practice squad QB, while also giving you a low-commitment chance to assess my capabilities to help in any other capacity you may see fit.
Kaepernick hasn't played in the NFL since the 2016 season (2017 Michael Zagaris)"Worst case scenario, you see what I have to offer and you're not that impressed. Best case scenario, you realize you have a real weapon at your disposal in the event you ever need to use it. In either of these scenarios, I would be committed to getting your defence ready week in and week out, all season long, and I would wear that responsibility like a badge of honour.
"As a final point, I would like to add this. Unlike many of the veteran QBs that have been named in the media, I've never retired or stopped training. My training schedule has remained the same for 6 years; Monday through Friday, 5am-8am training on the field and in the weight room.
"I've kept this training schedule without failure for the past 6 years, in hopes that an opportunity will present itself. I say this to give you some perspective on where I'm at physically. I have also attached a list of my references within the league that will vouch for my character, work ethic and ability. Thanks so much for your time. Colin Kaepernick."
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