In a move that’s equal parts baffling and bold, The Washington Post has declared Colin Kaepernick 'the most relevant figure' to Super Bowl LX, leaving many scratching their heads and wondering if the paper has completely lost touch with reality. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a desperate grab for attention from a struggling publication, or a genuine attempt to tie Kaepernick’s legacy to the biggest event in American sports? Let’s dive in.
The Washington Post, reeling from mass layoffs and the departure of its CEO, seems to be clinging to any headline that might spark interest. And what better way to stir the pot than by invoking the name of Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL quarterback who hasn’t played in nearly a decade? But this is the part most people miss: Kaepernick has no direct connection to this year’s Super Bowl matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. So, why bring him up?
The Post’s logic is as thin as it gets. The article, penned by Adam Kilgore, attempts to link Kaepernick to Super Bowl LX by pointing out that the game is being held at the San Francisco 49ers’ stadium in Santa Clara—a team Kaepernick once played for. Is this a stretch? Absolutely. Yet, Kilgore doesn’t just mention Kaepernick; he crowns him “the most relevant figure to Super LX.” Let that sink in.
The piece reads like a parody of sports journalism. Kilgore writes, ‘The current moment and the Super Bowl’s location provide a platform to examine the legacies of Kaepernick’s protest.’ But here’s the reality check: the Super Bowl is about the teams, the matchup, and the spectacle—not about rehashing debates from a decade ago. Fans have largely moved on from Kaepernick, and the only reason his name keeps popping up is because of articles like this.
Even Kilgore admits later in the piece, ‘It has not been a topic at the Super Bowl.’ So, why force it? It’s as if he decided, ‘No matter what, I’m writing this column. Someone has to keep Kaepernick’s name in the spotlight, even if it’s completely out of place.’
This brings us to a larger question: Is the Washington Post’s obsession with Kaepernick a genuine attempt at cultural commentary, or a cynical ploy for clicks? The paper’s recent struggles—including shuttering its sports department—suggest the latter. As Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon recently quipped, the Post seems to be playing right into the hands of its critics. Maybe Kilgore saw that post and thought, ‘Hey, that’s me! And I need a new job!’
Super Bowl week is a celebration of football, the teams, and the fans. By dragging Kaepernick into the conversation for no apparent reason, the Washington Post has only highlighted its own desperation. But what do you think? Is Kaepernick’s legacy still relevant to the Super Bowl, or is this just another example of a struggling publication grasping at straws? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
