Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has signed a deal with The Walt Disney Company in collaboration with his production company, Ra Vision Media, to put out a documentary that will chronicle his life from a football player to activist.
In a tweet on Monday, Kaepnernick wrote, “I am excited for this partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers & producers. I look forward to sharing culturally impactful and inspiring projects.”
I am excited for this partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers & producers. I look forward to sharing culturally impactful and inspiring projects. https://t.co/MXidGoWXNZ
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) July 6, 2020
Kaepernick’s documentary is being produced by ESPN films — Disney is one of the major shareholders in ESPN.
ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro said, “Colin has had a singular path as both an athlete and an activist, and, as the nation continues to confront racism and social injustice, it feels particularly relevant to hear Colin’s voice on his evolution and motivations.”
The former 49er’s quarterback has not played in the NFL since 2016, the year that he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest racism in the United States, specifically police brutality against communities of color.
President Donald Trump has blistered with the football player over the years and has repeatedly bashed athletes who do not stand during the national anthem. In June, Trump said that he will not watch the NFL if players are kneeling during the anthem and he criticized the U.S. Soccer team for kneeling during the anthem.
Kaepernick was also outspoken after the death of George Floyd, tweeting, “When civility leads to death, revolting is the only logical reaction. The cries for peace will rain down, and when they do, they will land on deaf ears, because your violence has brought this resistance.”
His deal with Disney is not the first time that the quarterback has made a powerful business move. This year, he also joined the board of directors with the blog site, Medium.
