When news broke of Colin Kaepernick's upcoming workout with the NFL, many began speculating JAY-Z's involvement in the matter. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, "JAY-Z—who has been working with the NFL on some social justice initiatives—was involved in this and pushed this idea to some extent." Rapoport also noted that this workout wasn't part of Kaepernick's settlement agreement with the league lending credence to those arguing Jay influenced this opportunity. 

Source: twitter.com