Kaepernick on Jay-Z: 'Guilty Conscience'?

Colin Kaepernick recently shared his thoughts on Jay-Z mentioning him during a freestyle performance in July 2026. Speaking with Lester Holt, Kaepernick interpreted the rapper's action as a sign of a "guilty conscience," suggesting it stems from the significant backlash Jay-Z faced for his 2019 NFL partnership. Kaepernick views these mentions as attempts to reposition public discourse.

Jay-Z's freestyle addressed criticisms regarding his vinyl partnership with Target, a store facing boycotts over its DEI initiatives. The rapper stated, "They run out of characters, had to bring back up Kap again." He also alluded to Kaepernick accepting a "check" with a non-disparagement clause. Further adding to the narrative, NBC reported that Kaepernick's forthcoming memoir, "The Perilous Fight," will not be sold by Target.