The University of Nevada announced on Friday that Colin Kaepernick will be inducted to the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame. Given the former 49ers quarterback’s controversial NFL career, many on social media have words about his Hall of Fame induction.
The 32-year-old former athlete and activist put up wildly impressive numbers during his time playing with the Wolf Pack between 2007 and 2010. Over the course of his career, Kaepernick racked up 10,098 passing yards and 82 passing touchdowns. Furthermore, he rushed for 4,112 yards and added 59 touchdowns on the ground.
According to the University, Kaepernick was the only player in college football history to throw for 10,000 yards and rush for over 4,000 in a career, USA Today reports.
Twitter Reacts to Colin Kaepernick Being Inducted Into Nevada Hall of Fame
Despite his performance on the field in college, many on social media responded to the news with heavy criticisms. One Twitter user drew attention to what they consider hypocritical behavior on the University’s part. The user accused the school of separating ties with Kaepernick in the past but now is celebrating him with the induction.
“Let’s not forget the fact that Nevada removed any trace of his existence before it was socially acceptable to like him again,” the user writes.
Other users called attention to Kaepernick’s political stances. Check out their reactions below:
Did he wear this to his ceremony? pic.twitter.com/LRTDe5TxvH
— ★ Big Al On The Prowl ★ (@BigAlOnTheProwl) October 24, 2020
I remember watching him play against Derek carr at fresno state. I was like who is that dude he's running all over the place. Sad to see he's just a pawn today.
— 😉 Romero (@MikeRom06737909) October 24, 2020
Others Defend Kaepernick’s On-Field Performance
While some took issue with the Univ. of Nevada, others defended Kaepernick and his Hall of Fame induction.
“Well deserved,” one user writes. “A great college QB that ran their offense to perfection. Was also a beast in the NFL for his first couple years didn’t or couldn’t make the adjustment once defenses figured out how to stop him. But no denying he had a great college career.”
A number of others on Twitter found Kaepernick deserving of the induction as well. See more of their reactions:
He deserves it, he was insane in college
— 𝐉𝐂 (𝟓-𝟎) (@JcGotNext) October 24, 2020
He was a thorn in the side for my beloved Boise State and put up stupid numbers against us, respect ✊
— Latte Chavalito (@ElChavaleto) October 24, 2020
Nevada athletics director Doug Knuth released a statement on Kaepernick’s induction.
“The 2020 Hall of Fame class represents some of the best of the best in Wolf Pack history,” Knuth said. “This is an incredible collection of accomplished student-athletes and we can’t wait for the opportunity to welcome them back to campus and celebrate their careers.”
[H/T USA Today]