Former NFL star Colin Kaepernick is tapping into hip-hop’s biggest moment of the year, using his platform to salute J. Cole ahead of the release of The Fall Off.
On Thursday (Feb. 5), the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback posted an Instagram photo of himself seated on a couch, rocking a black T-shirt stamped with The Fall Off logo, paired with a caption that doubled as praise and public co-sign. The Fall Off is presumed to be J. Cole’s final album.
“Waiting on The Fall Off to Drop at Midnight! 2.6.26,” Kaepernick wrote, framing the album release as an event, not just a drop.
The midnight reference leaned into hip-hop tradition, where major releases feel ceremonial and collective. For fans, it signaled that Cole’s long-anticipated project had reached its moment.
Kaepernick’s words went deeper than hype. “Proud of my brother @realcoleworld staying true to himself, his vision and the craft,” he added, centering authenticity and discipline.
Colin Kaepernick Shares “Greatness” IG Post For J. Cole’s ‘The Fall Off’ LP
He praised the “time, effort, and dedication” behind the album, framing The Fall Off as the result of patience and intention, not trend-chasing. J. Cole has been preparing this latest album for his entire career.
Kaepernick’s relaxed posture contrasted with the album’s cultural weight. Wearing the merch read as alignment rather than promotion, a quiet show of respect that mirrored Cole’s understated approach. Both figures share reputations for resisting outside pressure and staying rooted in personal principles, whether in music or sports.
Cole and Kaepernick’s careers faced many adversities as biracial public figures. Both have consistently persevered. Kaepernick positioned himself as both witness and fan, someone who watched the journey and now joins the audience.
Kaepernick ended the post by describing the forthcoming album as “greatness,” which many are predicting as Cole plans to bow out of the spotlight. The statement framed the album as a culmination, signaling confidence before the first note even plays.
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