Obscure rule could send Kaepernick to Hall of Fame

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The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s selection committee is tasked each year with selecting a Hall of Fame class. But how do all of those names first appear on their radar?

It’s a starting point not many have probably considered. Except for Vermont retiree Bob Birkett, who has officially nominated Colin Kaepernick for induction based on his efforts to raise awareness of police brutality.

How is Kaepernick a nominee for the Hall of Fame?

It’s the very first line under the “How Are New Enshrines Selected?” section of the Pro Football Hall of Fame website. Any individual can make a nomination with a letter.

Any fan may nominate any player, coach or contributor who has been connected with pro football simply by writing to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The only restriction is that a player and coach must have been retired at least five years before he can be considered.

Birkett is nominating Kaepernick as a contributor for bringing awareness to the issue of police brutality of Black and Brown individuals when he took a knee during the national anthem in 2016. The category is for someone who made “outstanding career contributions to pro football in capacities other than playing or coaching.”

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