The most talked-about N.F.L. player this season may not even be taking the field.
The player, Colin Kaepernick, a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, caused conflict last season by kneeling during the national anthem before games to protest police brutality and racial oppression. He inspired several other players to follow suit or make similar gestures, leading to debate and discussion about whether athletes should publicly engage in political discourse — and how actively.
But now, as teams prepare for the start of the regular season on Sept. 7, Kaepernick is a free agent without a team.