CLOSE CEO of the AAF, Charlie Ebersol, stops by the USA TODAY studio to discuss the start of the new football league
USA TODAY CONNECT11TWEET11LinkedIn11COMMENT11EMAIL11MORE11A person with knowledge of the conversation tells The Associated Press that the new Alliance of American Football spoke with Colin Kaepernick during its development about joining the league
But Kaepernick wanted $20 million or more to consider playing with the league that had its debut last weekend
AAF co-founder Bill Polian told The Athletic that league CEO Charlie Ebersol and Kaepernick's representatives talked last summer
"I don't know what transpired, but he's obviously not playing," Polian told The Athletic
Neither Kaepernick nor his representatives have acknowledged discussions with the AAF
The AAF had similar talks with other NFL free-agent players, per The Athletic. Colin Kaepernick last played in the NFL during the 2016 season
(Photo11: Steven Senne, AP)The Alliance says its mission is to provide opportunities for players not in the NFL to continue their careers, with a possibility they could entice NFL teams to sign them once the AAF season concludes at the end of April
The league also approached Tim Tebow, who said he wanted to continue pursuing his baseball career
Tebow currently is in the New York Mets' spring training camp.Kaepernick, then with the San Francisco 49ers, helped start a wave of protests about social and racial injustice in 2016 by kneeling during the national anthem at games
He has not played the last two seasons and has brought a lawsuit against the NFL for collusion to keep him out of the league
DAVID STERN: Kaepernick would still be playing if he were in NBAEXCLUDING KAEPERNICK: History will not be kind to Wisconsin lawmakersHe also fits the description for potential Alliance players, though his contract demands don't fit with the league's financial structure
After all, the AAF is entering its second weekend.Players earn $225,000 over three years in the Alliance, but they also are free beginning in May to pursue NFL careers
Should they not catch on there, they are obligated to return to the AAF next season
GROUNDBREAKING: AAF using tech that may revolutionize sports and gamblingREMEMBER THEM? AAF's starting QBs are names you will recognizeMore than 80 percent of Alliance players spent some time in an NFL camp or on a roster
None is a star; the rare NFL first-round draft pick in the AAF is Birmingham running back Trent Richardson, who flamed out with the Browns and Colts, but Polian, a Pro Football Hall of Fame executive, says could be "fast approaching" stardom in the Alliance after his strong debut
It's uncertain if Kaepernick ever will play football again, but at his asking price, the only place would be the NFL
FacebookTwitterGoogle+LinkedInAlliance of American Football kicks off its inaugural season Fullscreen Posted!A link has been posted to your Facebook feed
The Arizona Hotshots' Thomas Duarte (81) celebrates with teammate Gerald Christian (82) after Christian caught a touchdown pass in Arizona's 38-22 win
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The RepublicFullscreenThe Arizona Hotshots' Steven Johnson (59) sacks Salt Lake Stallions QB Josh Woodrum
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The RepublicFullscreenThe Arizona Hotshots' Jhurell Pressley (26) breaks a tackle from the Salt Lake Stallions' Cody Brown (21) during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The RepublicFullscreenThe Arizona Hotshots' Edmond Robinson (51) puts pressure on Salt Lake Stallions QB Josh Woodrum (6) during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The RepublicFullscreenThe Arizona Hotshots' SaQwan Edwards (31) and Sione Teuhema (54) celebrate after recovering a fumble against the Salt Lake Stallions
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The RepublicFullscreenMemphis Express quarterback Christian Hackenberg is sacked by Birmingham Iron linebacker Jonathan Massaquoi during the game at Legion Field
Joe Rondone/The Commercial AppealFullscreenBirmingham Iron wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo breaks down the field against the Memphis Express
Joe Rondone/The Commercial AppealFullscreenMemphis Express coach Mike Singletary talks to linebacker DeMarquis Gates on the sidelines during the game against the Birmingham Iron
Joe Rondone/The Commercial AppealFullscreenBirmingham Iron running back Trent Richardson tries to cut past Memphis Express defender Arnold Tarpley III
Joe Rondone/The Commercial AppealFullscreenBirmingham Iron defender Max Redfield charges out on to the field before the game against the Memphis Express at Legion Field
Joe Rondone/The Commercial AppealFullscreenSan Diego Fleet quarterback Mike Bercovici looks to pass during the AAF game against the San Antonio Commanders at the Alamodome in San Antonio
The Commanders won the game, 15-6. Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire, APFullscreenOrlando Apollos coach Steve Spurrier acknowledges fans in the stands after his team's 40-6 win over the Atlanta Legends
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreenAtlanta Legends receiver Justin Thomas (10) runs after a catch against the Orlando Apollos
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreenOrlando Apollos quarterback Garrett Gilbert sets up to throw a pass against the Atlanta Legends
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreenAtlanta Legends quarterback Matt Simms (4) is sacked by Orlando Apollos linebacker Christian French (58) and Josh Banks Sr
(92). Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreenOrlando Apollos coach Steve Spurrier reacts after a play during the second half against the Atlanta Legends
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreenOrlando Apollos running back D'Ernest Johnson (22) rushes for yardage against the Atlanta Legends
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreenOrlando Apollos quarterback Garrett Gilbert catches a pass from receiver Jalin Marshall for a 5-yard touchdown in front of Atlanta Legends defensive back Damian Swann
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreenAtlanta Legends receiver Bug Howard (84) is tackled by Orlando Apollos safety Will Hill and defensive back Keith Reaser (29) after catching a pass during the first half of an Alliance of American Football game
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreenApollo VII astronaut Walter Cunningham (right) delivers the game ball to official John O'Neill on the field before an Alliance of American Football game between the Orlando Apollos and the Atlanta Legends
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreenOrlando Apollos linebacker Reggie Northrup II runs onto the field during player introductions before an AAF game against the Atlanta Legends in Orlando
Phelan M. Ebenhack, APFullscreen Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:Replay1 of 212 of 213 of 214 of 215 of 216 of 217 of 218 of 219 of 2110 of 2111 of 2112 of 2113 of 2114 of 2115 of 2116 of 2117 of 2118 of 2119 of 2120 of 2121 of 21AutoplayShow ThumbnailsShow CaptionsLast SlideNext SlideIf you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you
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