Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick will be given an honorary degree.
Morgan State University announced Kaepernick will receive an honorary degree along with filmmaker David E. Talbert and advocate for equity in education David Burton.
“Leadership, Integrity, Innovation, Diversity, Excellence and Respect are more than just words that appear on the flags that adorn our campus, or words that we utter casually when reciting our core values, they represent the embodiment of who we are and what a Morgan graduate stands for,” Morgan State University President David Wilson said in a statement.
He added, “With this notion in mind, we intentionally sought a collection of individuals who truly embody these principles, and thankfully we have assembled a trio of diverse voices who have bravely stood—and kneeled—for the betterment and advancement of the voiceless, the marginalized and the disenfranchised.”
Wilson continued, “We are absolutely thrilled to bestow honorary degrees to David E. Talbert, David Burton and Colin Kaepernick for their individual, and collective, contributions to the progression of the Black narrative and pursuit of excellence.”
Kaepernick will be awarded with the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
He recently made headlines after indicating he is readying himself for a potential NFL comeback.
During an interview with the I AM ATHLETE YouTube channel, Kaepernick said he would be willing to accept a backup quarterback position to get back in.
“Yeah. I know I have to find my way back in,” Kaepernick said.
He added, “So, yeah, if I have to come in as a backup that’s fine, but that’s not where I’m staying. And when I prove that I’m a starter, I want to be able to step on the field as such. I just need that opportunity to walk through the door.”
Check out his comments below:
During his Netflix special in 2021, Kaepernick compared the NFL draft system to slavery.
“Before they put you on the field, teams poke, prod and examine you searching for any defect that might affect your performance. No boundary respect. No dignity left intact,” Kaepernick said.
A line of players then walks off a platform before becoming slaves walking onto an auction block.
In 2016, the former quarterback became the center of controversy after kneeling for the national anthem.