Colin Kaepernick Inks Deal with Disney/ESPN for Documentary About His NFL Career

Colin Kaepernick is back in the news once again, having already been involved in a number of controversial incidents over the course of the last week.

First, there was his statement regarding the 4th of July, in which the former NFL player equated Independence Day with “white supremacy”.  This insinuation garnered backlash from all corners of social media, with many reminding Kaepernick that the founding fathers envisioned a world in which there would be liberty and justice “for all”.

On Monday, Kaepernick was back in the headlines as news broke of a fresh deal with Disney. 

ESPN is planning a new documentary focused on the NFL’s original anthem protester, Colin Kaepernick. Moreover, the network is working with one of their most controversial former talents to do it.

Jemele Hill, who was once bought out of her contract at ESPN so she could give voice to her left-wing political activism on other platforms, will come back to the fold to work with her former employers on this project.

Though, ESPN’s deal with Kaepernick will not be exclusive to the planned documentary about the former quarterback’s anthem protests.

According to a statement:

The Walt Disney Company today announced an overall first-look deal with Colin Kaepernick’s production arm Ra Vision Media. The partnership will focus on telling scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and will provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers. The first-look deal will extend across all Walt Disney Platforms including Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar, and The Undefeated. Kaepernick will work closely with The Undefeated, which is expanding its portfolio across Disney, to develop stories from the perspective of Black and Brown communities.

The documentary on Kaepernick, will focus primarily on the last five years. Stretching from the beginning of his anthem protests, subsequent absence from the league, collusion lawsuit, and other things related to the protests.

Given Kaepernick’s outspoken stance on the police in America, (having worn “pig” socks to football practice, etc), Disney’s decision was a bit shocking.  The entertainment goliath has normally sought to steer clear of such controversy.