It’s been three years since Colin Kaepernick has suited up to hit the field as an NFL player, but the former quarterback still has hopes of playing with the league again. 

Despite not receiving any leads from the 32 professional teams, Kaepernick’s team says the athlete has been “working out five days a week, for three years, in preparation to play again,” HuffPost reported. 

The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback’s agent released a document on Thursday, stating the NFL blackballed Kaepernick.

Eric Reid, Carolina Panthers' safety and friend of Kaepernick, shared his thoughts on Twitter saying, "There have been so many false narratives in the media regarding Colin, we believe it’s important to set the record straight, again.” Please read this!! Don’t believe the lies being told about my brother .@Kaepernick7."

The document addresses false narratives circulating about the football star since his protest began three years ago. 

In 2016, Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem, launching a protest against police brutality and racial injustice throughout the United States. What ensued was a whirlwind of backlash from conservative pundits and critics, like Donald Trump, accusing him of disrespecting the American flag and military. 

The following year, Kaepernick and Reid filed a grievance against the NFL, citing the two were unsigned because of owners colluding against their peaceful protest. In February 2019, a settlement was reached between the league, Reid and Kaepernick. 

Despite Kaepernick’s age, which experts say may be a disadvantage for pro football players, his agents say he “has the same skill set as many of the young mobile quarterbacks flourishing in the NFL right now.”

They also added it is “difficult to think of another young player in NFL history with statistics and character as impressive as Colin’s not being given an opportunity to earn a spot on an NFL roster after what he’s accomplished.”

In August, Roc Nation, Jay-Z's entertainment company, announced a collaboration with the NFL, surprising many since the mogul and rapper was a supporter of the activist. The stark divide between sides widened during a press conference with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell when Jay-Z told reporters, "I think we've moved past kneeling and I think it's time to go into actionable items." 

Kaepernick responded on Twitter saying, "My Brothers @E_Reid35 @KSTiLLS @iThinkIsee12 continue to fight for the people, even in the face of death threats. They have never moved past the people and continue to put their beliefs into action. Stay strong Brothers!!! ✊????."

The former football player's girlfriend, Nessa Diab, also came to Kaepernick's defense, quelling Jay-Z's statement that the two spoke about the NFL deal. 

In September, Nike’s collaboration ad campaign with Kaepernick received a creative Emmy for Best Commercial, beating out fellow contenders like Apple and Netflix. 

Last year, the 31-year-old was honored by Harvard University with the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal, along with Dave Chapelle and Kehinde Wiley. 

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