On Tuesday, Colin Kaepernick announced that the NFL had reached out to him about a workout this weekend. when the news broke of the upcoming workout with the NFL, many began speculating JAY-Z’s involvement in the matter.
“I’m just getting word from my representatives that the NFL league office reached out to them about a workout in Atlanta on Saturday,” tweeted Kap. “I’ve been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday.”
I’m just getting word from my representatives that the NFL league office reached out to them about a workout in Atlanta on Saturday. I’ve been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday.
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) November 13, 2019
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, “JAY-Z—who has been working with the NFL on some social justice initiatives—was involved in this and pushed this idea to some extent.” Rapoport also noted that this workout wasn’t part of Kaepernick’s settlement agreement with the league lending credence to those arguing Jay influenced this opportunity.
Two notes: 1. Jay-Z, a partner with the NFL on social justice, had some influence here. 2. This is not part of Kaepernick’s settlement, nor did he ask for this in his settlement. https://t.co/6l7z3MYJ5x
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 13, 2019
In August, JAY-Z announced a music and social justice partnership with the NFL, which included a $400,000 donation to two Chicago charities as part of the newly-launched Inspire Change program.