Colin Kaepernick has been out of the NFL for eight years, but he isn’t ready to give up on a return.

Kaepernick’s final season in the league was fraught with controversy after he peacefully protested police brutality and racial inequality by kneeling during the national anthem. Since his protest, no NFL team has decided to sign the quarterback.

According to The Spun, Kaepernick and Nessa Diab appeared on CBS Mornings to promote their children’s book “You are Free, You and Me” and Kaepernick was asked whether he was still training to prepare for a return to the league or not send a message.

“Both,” Kaepernick replied. “When I look at my career, it was 15 years of work and dedication before I ever set foot on an NFL field. Having this passion and pursuing it for so long is something you don’t just give up on. You don’t just walk away.”

“There will never be a case where I’m not ready, and there will never be a case where I’m like, ‘Oh, it’s because he doesn’t want to anymore.'”

Kaepernick was later asked if he was sad or upset that he couldn’t be an NFL player and an activist at the same time.

“I’ve had so many conversations like this and my answer is always: You don’t have to choose one or the other. You can do both.”

It’s unlikely Kaepernick will get another chance in the NFL, but he’ll obviously be ready if he ever gets the chance.

(The Spun One)