Colin Kaepernick pulled off the sneak, and it might have been his best play yet.
The 49ers quarterback made a surprise appearance at his old high school’s graduation, to celebrate a former coach and teacher.
According to Marijke Rowland of the Modesto Bee, Kaepernick’s appearance at Pitman High School was planned in conjunction with the departures of football coach Brandon Harris and teacher David Jack.
After handing out all the diplomas, Principal Rod Hollars cued up what he said was a live video feed of Kaepernick talking. Moments later, the quarterback came around the corner of the stage to surprise his old mentors.
“I had to come back to say goodbye to two of my favorite teachers and also congratulate the graduates,” Kaepernick said. “I’m saying goodbye to one of my good friends and best coaches. I have a lot of great memories with him.”
It was a quick trip, five minutes total, but made quite an impression on the graduates and their families.
“It was a total surprise,” said Kristin Pope, who came to support her graduating cousin. “He’s an amazing person to come and say goodbye to his coach. I think it’s great. Like, what quarterback in the NFL does that?”
One who hasn’t forgotten where he came from, apparently.