San Francisco 49ers

Dungy urges for historical perspective before judging Kaepernick

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

In an exclusive interview with FanSided’s Jack Jorgensen, the Hall of Fame coach urged for context over knee-jerk criticism when it comes to Colin Kaepernick.

Colin Kaepernick has easily been the most discussed player of the summer — and is still yet to take his first snap of the newly launched season. Yet he was front and center as cameras covered the National Anthem before Monday night’s opening week finale, featuring the newly (re)minted Los Angeles Rams and Kaepernick’s San Francisco 49ers. This is due to the quarterback’s much-deliberated decision to kneel during the national anthem, in an attempt to draw attention to what he sees as prevailing social inadequacies.

The decision has made Kaepernick both a hero and foe, depending on which side of the issue you fall on. However, recently enshrined Hall of Fame coach and current NBC analyst Tony Dungy urges a more measured view of Kaepernick’s actions. In an exclusive interview with FanSided’s Jack Jorgensen, Dungy discussed his opinion on the Niners quarterback, and why the big picture is key to a sound — and fair — judgment.

In the type of measured manner that made him one of the most respected and in-demand figures in football, Dungy stressed that Kaepernick’s actions are actually as American as it gets — in a sense. Drawing back on a deep history lesson, Dungy dis his best to lend historical context to the entire situation:

“Well, I think he’s in the United States and I think we have to remember that. While we may not agree with his views, we may not agree with his approach and doing certain things, if we read the Declaration of Independence, some people that started our country took that approach.”

Dungy drilled down farther:

“I think he’s getting a lot of criticism right now. I think we should all take a look in the mirror and take a look at our history before we’re ready to criticizing someone for takings a stand.”

Dungy is one of the most respected figures in football, as much because of his success on the sidelines as for the role he has taken on as a mentor and commentator. Most notably, he played a vital role in being a mouthpiece and mentor for Michael Vick during his post-incarceration return to football.

Beyond that, this is a best-selling author on the subjects of leadership and fatherhood, and as has even been requested to serve at the behest of both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama on various councils during their respective administrations. This is a man that is far from incredulous or unpatriotic, so his perception — on both the controversy itself and the resulting fallout — warrants due consideration.

In addition, Dungy has been a cultural trailblazer throughout his career, standing as the first African-American coach to both win a Super Bowl and be enshrined as a Hall of Fame coach. He can uniquely identify with the position that that Kaepernick has put himself in, and can speak to it with an absolute certainty to what type of fortitude it requires.

“Many times, years from now, we’ll look back and say, ‘That wasn’t as bad as we thought,'” Dungy said. “Or we’ll eventually see the other side of the coin.”

Love it or hate it, Kaepernick is without a doubt taking a bold step in highlighting social issues that are relevant to him, and doing so with dignity and perspective. As Dungy notes, that is a quintessentially American way of pushing for progress.