Joe Theismann Slams 49ers For Giving Kaepernick ‘Inspirational’ Play Award: ‘What Exactly Has He Inspired?’

The San Francisco 49ers closed out their season last week by losing to Seattlle, dropping their record to 2-14. Earlier in the week, Niners players voted Colin Kaepernick the winner of the Len Eshmont award — given annually to the 49er who best exemplifies Elmont with his “inspirational and courageous play.”

Kaepernick was one of the most talked about players in the NFL this season, despite San Francisco’s poor record. His National Anthem protests against racial oppression were supported by many players throughout the league, and he even landed on the cover of Time Magazine.

Tuesday on Outnumbered, retired Washington Redskins quarterback and former ESPN analyst Joe Theismann blasted the 49ers for giving Kaepernick the honor — given that the team went 1-10 with Kaepernick starting under center.

“I just find it hard to believe,” Theismann said. “You’re a 2-14 football team. He’s won one football game. What has he inspired? And the players voted for it. You question players at times. They just sort of move along en masse and do this.”

Theismann went on to criticize NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for what he termed a “wishy-washy” response to the National Anthem protests in the league. Theismann called for Goodell to require players to stand for the Anthem.

“I think he’s been wishy-washy on it,” Theismann said. “I think you have to stand up and present it to the owners. You know, Clark Hunt, who owns the Kansas City Chiefs, made it very, very clear: You will stand. If you’re in the organization, if you’re on the team, if you’re on the coaching staff. And if you don’t, you will be gone. Period. Nice, simple statement. And I think that the National Football League has to take a stance.”

Watch above, via Fox News.

[featured image via screengrab]

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