Colin Kaepernick Accuses NFL Owners of Collusion Against Macklemore 2026

Colin Kaepernick has accused NFL owners of colluding against Macklemore after the rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour over comments he made onstage about Palestine. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, whose NFL career was effectively ended after his protests against police violence, sees direct parallels between his own experience and Macklemore's removal.

Kaepernick's Collusion Claims Against NFL Owners

Speaking on the MeidasTouch podcast, Kaepernick pointed to the actions of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and other NFL team owners who refused to host Macklemore at their stadiums. "The part that I hope people appreciate and take away in this moment is what Robert Kraft and what they're saying by denying Macklemore the opportunity to go out and perform with Ed Sheeran is they are willing to collude," Kaepernick said. "The NFL owners are openly colluding."

Kaepernick's comments highlight a pattern of what he describes as coordinated efforts by team owners to suppress voices they disagree with. He argues that this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader culture within the league's ownership ranks.

The Macklemore Controversy Explained

Macklemore had been serving as a supporting act on Ed Sheeran's tour. During a performance at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, he told the crowd he wanted the people of Gaza and "the occupied West Bank" to know "we have not forgotten about them." He also said "free Palestine."

Following these remarks, Robert Kraft, a longtime supporter of Israel, and several other owners of NFL stadiums the tour was scheduled to visit, said they would not allow Macklemore to perform at their venues. This pressure led to Macklemore being removed from the tour. In a show of solidarity, all four supporting acts for upcoming dates of Sheeran's tour have since withdrawn.

Parallels Between Kaepernick and Macklemore

Kaepernick's own NFL career was derailed after he began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality and social injustice. Despite leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance, he was unable to secure a new contract and has not played since. He settled a collusion grievance against the NFL in 2019.

The situation with Macklemore mirrors Kaepernick's experience: a public figure taking a political stance, only to face coordinated backlash from powerful NFL owners. Kaepernick suggests that the league's owners are willing to use their influence to punish those who speak out.

Key Takeaways

• Colin Kaepernick accuses NFL owners of colluding against Macklemore after his pro-Palestine comments.
• Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour after NFL stadium owners refused to host him.
• All four supporting acts withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
• Kaepernick sees parallels between his own NFL exile and Macklemore's situation.

Reactions and Implications

The controversy has sparked widespread debate about free speech, the influence of NFL owners, and the intersection of politics and entertainment. While some support Kaepernick's claims, others argue that private venue owners have the right to decide who performs.

This incident raises questions about the power dynamics within the NFL and whether owners are using their platforms to silence dissent. For Kaepernick, it is a familiar battle.

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