The Michigan Wolverines and head coach Jim Harbaugh are fresh off of their first win over archrival Ohio State in nine years. That win catapulted the storied Maize and Blue program to its first ever trip to the College Football Playoffs.
Although they were blown out by eventual champion Georgia, it was a sign that the Wolverines were back and ready to restore some consistent order in the Big Ten.
Harbaugh was once again highly sought after for NFL jobs, but the quirky leader opted to stay in Ann Arbor. As his team prepares for its annual spring football game, Harbs is bringing in an old friend. One who helped him reach the Super Bowl in 2012 as head coach of the Niners. Colin Kaepernick is in Ann Arbor and will be the honorary captain for Saturday’s festivities at the “Big House,” aka Michigan Stadium.
Football Family.
Excited to share the field with our honorary captain for Saturday's Maize and Blue Spring Game, @Kaepernick7 #GoBlue 〽 pic.twitter.com/2H6Yj2Ivwl
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) March 30, 2022
Players are excited to have the former dual-threat sensation on campus. Rising edge rusher Jaylen Harrell expressed the sentiments about the team.
“I’m very appreciative of coach Harbaugh actually bringing him in to us and talk to us, lay some gems down for us, and just listening to what he has to say. What he brings, his experiences, and how we can apply that to our day-to-day life. It’s a blessing for coach Harbaugh to bring Colin Kaepernick back into the building.”
Having CK7 speak to the players and drop jewels on them was a pretty bold move by his former coach Harbaugh.
Defensive lineman Kris Jenkins was another rising Wolverines player who enjoyed hearing from him.
“He’s a really nice, positive dude, it’s great to have him here. We’re excited to have him as our honorary captain for the spring game, and also excited to have him throw the football around a little bit at halftime.”
Kaepernick Led Niners To Super Bowl In 2012: Protest Began In 2016 Preseason
Harbaugh and Kaepernick are forever joined at the hip. In 2012, following an injury to starter Alex Smith, Harbs inserted Kaep, who played well enough that he left him as the starter even when Smith got healthy.
That season Kaepernick guided the Niners to the Super Bowl, as Harbaugh lost to his brother John and the Ravens 34-31. But the writing for Smith as the starter was on the wall.
That offseason he was dealt to the Chiefs, and it was now Kaepernick’s team. The following season he led the team to the NFC Championship and a heartbreaking loss to division foe Seattle (23-17). Harbaugh left to become head coach at his alma mater following the 2014 season.
After a subpar 2015 season at QB, Kaep was benched by head coach Chip Kelly prior to 2016 in favor of journeyman Blaine Gabbert. While benched, he decided not to stand for the national anthem, creating a firestorm of reactions that still evoke the deepest emotions in football fans. He did it all season, despite heavy blowback from all sides.
Harbaugh Vouches For Kaep: Who’s Still Staying In Shape With The Hope Of Another Shot
Kaep hasn’t played in a game since 2017, causing Harbaugh to speak on his behalf in 2020.
“My personal opinion and really advice to NFL teams is, there’s only one to answer these questions, one way to find out, and that’s Colin signs somewhere. My advice is he’d be worth your time and that NFL team will be very happy.
“Colin Kaepernick is a friend, he’s a brother, he’s a great teammate,” Harbaugh vouched. “I love Colin. I think he’s an unbelievably talented football player.”
Lately CK7 has been holding throwing sessions showing off the rocket arm his fans have come to know.
I had a great time with @Footwork_King2 and the squad yesterday! I appreciate y’all letting me come through and get that work in with y’all. Man, it felt good to be out there!
Here’s the link to the workout.https://t.co/hqtB4XX01J
Today we are back at it again in Dallas! pic.twitter.com/Bj3c7ATink
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) March 16, 2022
NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon commends Kaep for still working toward playing again, but Moon says that ship has sailed.
“I just don’t know if he’s going to get that opportunity. I just don’t think NFL teams want that subject back in the league.”
