Colin Kaepernick became a starter in the National Football League.
Colin Kaepernick . 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 . During the 2013 season , his first full season as a starter , Kaepernick helped the 49ers reach the NFC Championship , losing to the Seattle Seahawks .