The NFL world is buzzing after former Pittsburgh Steelers safety and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark made bold remarks about Colin Kaepernick’s potential legacy had he continued playing. Clark stated in a recent interview that Kaepernick could have become one of the biggest icons in football history—perhaps even surpassing the star power of today’s brightest names such as Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow.
Clark, never one to shy away from sharp opinions, explained that Kaepernick’s combination of athleticism, leadership, and willingness to speak out on social issues gave him a unique platform. “If only he had been given the chance to keep playing, Colin would be bigger than anyone in the game today. Bigger than Mahomes, bigger than Burrow. He had the talent and the voice,” Clark said.
Kaepernick, who has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season following his decision to kneel during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice, has remained one of the most polarizing figures in American sports. While his absence from the league has often been framed as a result of his activism, fans and analysts continue to wonder how his career might have unfolded if he had been allowed to compete at the highest level.
Reacting to Clark’s comments, Kaepernick himself shared a short but emotional response on social media. “If only… but I’ve never stopped working, never stopped believing in the game and the fight,” he wrote, sparking an outpouring of support from fans who still admire his determination.
Supporters flooded Twitter and Instagram with messages of encouragement, many agreeing with Clark’s assessment. They pointed to Kaepernick’s memorable performances with the San Francisco 49ers, including leading the team to Super Bowl XLVII, as proof that his on-field potential was cut short.
However, not everyone agreed. Critics argued that Mahomes and Burrow have achieved their status not just through talent but also through consistent on-field excellence, something Kaepernick never had the chance to maintain long term. Still, even many of his skeptics admitted that his cultural impact off the field has been unmatched.
Clark’s comments also reignited debates within the NFL community about opportunity, image, and the business of sports. Could Kaepernick have changed the quarterback landscape if he had remained a starter? Would his presence have pushed the league to embrace activism sooner? These questions continue to swirl, adding to the legend of a career that feels both historic and unfinished.
For Ryan Clark, the bottom line is clear: Kaepernick’s potential was greater than statistics. “He had the makings of someone who could transcend the sport. That’s why we’re still talking about him years later,” Clark concluded.
As the conversation continues, Kaepernick remains a symbol of both what was and what could have been. Whether or not he would have surpassed Mahomes and Burrow on the field may never be known, but his name continues to resonate at a level that proves Ryan Clark’s words may not be far from the truth.
