It was announced Monday that former NFL player and prominent American activist Colin Kaepernick struck a first-look deal with The Walt Disney Company. As a part of the deal, Kaepernick will be the focus of a docuseries produced and distributed exclusively by ESPN Films.
The deal includes a partnership Kaepernick’s very own production company, Ra Vision Media. Through the partnership both Disney and Kaepernick intend on creating meaningful content produced by and made for people of color.
RIVERDALE, GA – NOVEMBER 16: Colin Kaepernick looks on during his NFL workout held at Charles R Drew high school on November 16, 2019 in Riverdale, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
In a prepared statement Kaepernick said, “I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives…I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing.”
Just last week, Netflix announced that it would be producing a 6-part series about Kaepernick as well, produced by acclaimed Disney alum Ava DuVernay.
This announcement comes on the heels of a rumor that the company’s been courting Beyoncé for a three project deal worth $100 million dollars.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also recently welcomed Kaepernick back into the league, urging teams to sign him. Regardless of whether or not he returns to sports though, it doesn’t take a genius to see that this deal with Disney is his biggest victory yet.
CAMBRIDGE, MA – OCTOBER 11: Colin Kaepernick on stage at the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal Award Ceremony at Harvard University on October 11, 2018 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 2018 Honorees included Kehinde Wiley, Florence Ladd, Kenneth Chenault, Shirley Ann Jackson, Pamela Joyner, Bryan Stevenson, Dave Chappelle and Colin Kaepernick. (Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images)