Former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick took the stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 on Wednesday to talk about the challenges facing those looking to disrupt something both inside and outside of the tech world.
“One of the biggest problems you’ll face when you’re trying to sabotage something is that you’re trying to do something you’re passionate about and you end up sabotaging something in the process,” Kaepernick said. . “There are going to be difficult times. In those times, you want to have people you can lean on, people you can support, and that’s what gives you patience.”
Kaepernick is no stranger to disrupting the status quo, as he made national headlines in 2016 by kneeling to protest racial injustice. The former NFL star said he faced a lot of resistance, but also felt committed to creating a better, more equitable future.
“Doing that and seeing the strong reaction to it really gives you perspective and insight,” Kaepernick said. “We have a long way to go. But another thing I learned during that time was that there were a lot of people who wanted to go that long way with you, and I think that was the beautiful part when there was resistance to that. Plus, it’s a lot more organized.”
Having written thousands of stories about himself, he now wants to help creators take control of their own stories with Rumi. The startup aims to empower creators by helping them create and publish stories and content independently.
For entrepreneurs looking to subvert and explore their passions, Kaepernick offered some advice.
“Do you do your homework and know why you’re doing what you’re doing?” he said. “And number two, once you know it, pursue it passionately, pursue it with everything you’ve got, and bring people with you. I wouldn’t be sitting here today, and none of you would have known me at all without the many people who helped me along the way. That’s everyone from my wife to my family, friends, teammates, coaches and then some. Investors and advisors I have worked with along the way. So, keep those people with you. Because that’s what makes us who we are and what makes you sustainable in the long term.”
