Colin Kaepernick is quarterback for the 49ers.
Colin Rand Kaepernick ( [ ` kæpərnɪk ] ; born November 3 , 1987 ) is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent . Kaepernick began his professional career as a backup to Alex Smith , but became the 49ers ' starter in the middle of the 2012 season after Smith suffered a concussion . He remained the team 's starting quarterback for the rest of the season and went on to lead the 49ers to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1994 , losing to the Baltimore Ravens .