Free-agent NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick still maintains a strong relationship with Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh after all playing for him with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14. Kaepernick was named an honorary captain for the Wolverines’ spring game Saturday, and he explained what Harbaugh means to him.
While on the sideline for Michigan’s spring game, Kaepernick spoke to WXYZ-TV about how his relationship with Harbaugh has evolved since he played for him on the San Francisco 49ers. Kaepernick still has plenty of respect for his former coach,
“Coach Harbaugh, he’s always been phenomenal for me,” Kaepernick said. “From the time we met at the combine to my pro day to him drafting me and choosing to start me. From there, our relationship has continued to grow and develop. Phenomenal person. Phenomenal man. Lots of love for coach Harbaugh.”
Kaepernick also stated that he is close with the entire Harbaugh family, and it was good to see Jim Harbaugh in person after quite some time apart. Harbaugh had Kaepernick conduct a throwing session at halftime as he attempts his NFL comeback.
“It shows who coach Harbaugh is,” Kaepernick said. “He does this for me. He’s someone that is gonna fight for you. His relationship with you goes beyond just football. He loves you as a person. My relationship I’ve maintained with him, his dad Jack, and his family. It’s phenomenal to be able to reconnect in person after the pandemic and a few years apart.”
The former 49ers signal caller said that he can still play and looks forward to getting back on the field.
“Oh, absolutely,” Kaepernick said. “I can still sling it. Me getting out here for the exhibition was to be able to show that I can do that. It was one of the questions my agent kept getting. It’s been five years. Can he still play? So, we want to make sure that I come out and I show everyone that I can still play. Still throw it. Really just looking for an opportunity to have a door open to have that be a pathway to be able to get back in there, get a starting job, and lead a team to a championship.”
Harbaugh has been an advocate for Kaepernick for a while now. Back in 2020, Harbaugh said that NFL teams should be willing to take on a chance on signing Kaepernick.
“My personal opinion and really advice to NFL teams is, there’s only one way to answer these questions, one way to find out, and that’s Colin signs somewhere,” Harbaugh said. “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. I love Colin,” Harbaugh added. “I think he’s an unbelievably talented football player.”