Quarterback-turned-activist Colin Kaepernick will collaborate with Audible on the audiobook of his forthcoming memoir and other projects, the company announced Thursday.
The deal will let Audible exclusively release the audio version of the book — described as “part political awakening and part memoir” — that Kaepernick will publish this year through his own company, Kaepernick Publishing.
The yet-untitled book will chronicle the experiences that led Kaepernick to kneel while the national anthem played at NFL games in a stand against racism, a polarizing protest that changed the trajectory of his career, according to a news release.
“I want to tell the story of my evolution, and the events that led me to protest systemic oppression, in hopes that it will inspire others to rise in action,” Kaepernick said in a statement.
Kaepernick Publishing and Audible have also inked a deal to create other audio projects with the aim of highlighting noteworthy creators, authors and other figures, the Amazon-owned audiobook company said.
The partnership aims to “elevate stories and perspectives that need to be heard,” said Rachel Ghiazza, Audible’s senior vice president of content acquisition and development.
Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since leaving the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 after his anthem protests won praise from activists but infuriated conservatives including President Trump. He nonetheless released a commercial with Nike in 2018; the footwear giant sold 61 percent more merchandise after it aired despite threats of boycotts, according to Reuters.