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Colin Kaepernick and Tom Brady's careers have taken markedly different turns since 2017. Colin Kaepernick protested against police brutality by kneeling during the National Anthem and was allegedly blackballed by the league. At the age of 30, he was effectively out of the NFL and has not played in the league for the last five years. Although he hopes of returning to the league, it looks unlikely at this point.
Tom Brady, meanwhile, has been going strong and at 45 is the oldest player in the league. He has won three Super Bowls since 2017, when Colin Kaepernick was shut out of the league. In the process, he has become the most marketable football player in the NFL. But outside the NFL, Colin Kaepernick has become an important figure in social justice, which has increased his profile as well.
How do their net worth's compare? The difference is staggering. Brady has a net worth of around $333 million, whereas Kaepernick's is around $20 million. That's quite a difference. Let's look at the numbers.
Tom Brady's $333 million net worth
Tom Brady has been paid nearly $333 million since the start of his NFL career, playing for the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While he has never been the highest paid quarterback, he has won the most Super Bowls by getting the best teams around him. As the most successful player of all time, that has allowed him to convert that success into various endorsements. His success also ensures that anything associated with him, such as memorabilia and jerseys, is sold at record rates.
Tom Brady's longevity has allowed him to create the TB12 Sports brand and build a huge fortune over his 23-year career.
Colin Kaepernick's $20 million net worth
For Colin Kaepernick, the path has been markedly different. His current net worth is around $20 million. Having dropped out of the league in 2017, he cannot count on any salary from the last five years. However, due to the alleged collusion of the league in freezing him out, he has settled with the league for a confidential amount.
In 2018, he was selected by Nike as the face of their campaign that went with the tagline: "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything." Outside of work, he has been active with his own organization, the "Know Your Rights Camp."
Hence, taking a stand has been materially detrimental to Kaepernick. Had he kept playing in the NFL like Tom Brady has, he would have had a higher net worth. Whether that's really what matters is a separate matter.
