Kaepernick to work out during halftime of Michigan spring game

When Colin Kaepernick stood before the Michigan team at practice this week, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins sized him up and decided very quickly he can still play in the NFL.

Kaepernick, who will be honorary captain of Michigan’s spring game today at Michigan Stadium, played for Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh when he was with the 49ers. Kaepernick, who helped the 49ers make the 2013 Super Bowl, hasn’t throw a pass in the NFL since 2016.

It was during that season he became a national lightning rod for controversy and conversation with his decision to kneel during the national anthem before games. He has been outspoken on racial inequality in this country.

Kaepernick will have a chance to show off his skills during the 15-minute halftime of the spring game. He will participate in what was described as a “throwing exhibition”sponsored by the Wolverines Against Racism student group. He will throw to NFL free-agent receivers.

“When he stood up in front of the team, I’m not proud to say this, but he was bigger than me,” Jenkins said Thursday.“he’s still got a lot left in the tank.”

Jenkins said he was delighted to listen to Kaepernick’s comments to the team and said he focused on effort and the work players need to do to stay ahead.

“His message was, grind. Grind for the life you want,”jenkins said.“work hard to achieve. The days are gonna be tough. You’re gonna be working your butts off, and it’s just like, you’ve got to push through. You gotta take that extra inch to get better when everybody else is relaxing. Really cool message.”