JAY-Z Sparks Backlash After Claiming Colin Kaepernick Took NFL Settlement With ‘Silence Clause’ — Sources Say That’s False

JAY-Z has social media buzzing after making a surprising claim about Colin Kaepernick during his opening night performance at Yankee Stadium.

While performing a freestyle aimed at critics, Hov addressed long-standing accusations that he turned his back on Kaepernick after Roc Nation partnered with the NFL.

During the performance, JAY-Z rapped, “Buddy took a check, I ain’t even mad at him, but along with that check you have to sign a non-disparagement. I’m the one they can’t control.”

The line immediately sparked debate online, with many fans questioning why the rap icon would revisit the Kaepernick controversy years later.

However, according to sources familiar with the matter, Kaepernick reportedly never signed any non-disparagement agreement as part of his 2019 settlement with the NFL.

Sources point to Kaepernick’s continued criticism of the league over the years as evidence that no such clause existed. The former quarterback has repeatedly highlighted the number of days he has remained unsigned by an NFL team and has continued speaking publicly about issues surrounding his career and treatment by the league.

The timing of JAY-Z’s comments has also left many scratching their heads. Prior to the concert, reports surfaced that Kaepernick and filmmaker Tyler Perry had stepped in to help cover funeral expenses and fund a private autopsy for Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells, whose death remains under investigation.

Others believe the comments may stem from criticism JAY-Z faced back in 2019 when Roc Nation entered into its partnership with the NFL to produce the Super Bowl Halftime Show and other entertainment initiatives. At the time, some activists and fans accused the billionaire mogul of profiting from the league while Kaepernick remained blackballed from football.

Despite years passing since the controversy first erupted, Hov’s comments have reignited old debates surrounding loyalty, activism and the NFL’s treatment of Kaepernick.

Ironically, the remarks became one of the biggest talking points from a concert that also featured headline-making appearances from Beyoncé, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Eminem, Usher, Nas and Pharrell Williams.

Neither JAY-Z nor Kaepernick has publicly commented further on the situation, and the exact terms of Kaepernick’s NFL settlement remain confidential.