There’s been a lot of talk this week about the possibility that former San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick may likely end up as the backup quarterback for the Seahawks. Kaepernick got a lot of attention last year for kneeling during the national anthem at football games, and was an arch rival to the Seahawks during his time in San Francisco.
KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel says that for starters, nothing has actually happened yet. The Seahawks have admitted that they have expressed interest in Kaepernick, but some things have to happen before he becomes a Seahawk.
Thiel says, for starters, Kaepernick has to decide if he even wants to become a backup quarterback to Russell Wilson, and take a huge pay cut. Then the Seahawks need to decide if he is a good fit. Thiel says that he is, and the Seahawks would benefit from having a veteran quarterback with the constant risk of Russell Wilson getting injured, as opposed to a younger quarterback with questionable experience.
The word “distraction” has been used when describing Kaepernick, and few teams have shown any interest in wanting a potential distraction. But Thiel says that the Seahawks are no stranger to distractions, and head coach Pete Carroll is the kind of coach who can not only handle that, but also promote individualism.
Then there are the fans. Kaepernick was the face of Seattle’s biggest football rival for years when Kaepernick played for San Francisco, and Seahawks fans grew to despise him. Thiel says that any ticket-paying fan is certainly entitled to maintain whatever feelings they choose to hold on to if he becomes a Seahawk, but if a circumstance comes up where Kaepernick saves the day, he should be cheered on.
