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The former Sunderland, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers man featured in the ‘Baller League’ on Monday night
Baller League announced on social media on Monday evening: “Jack Colback’s had the call-up for tonight! Last season: Queens Park Rangers. This season: N5 FC. Watch live from 5:15pm on YouTube, Twitch or Sky Sports.”
Colback, now 36, has been without a club since leaving Queens Park Rangers at the end of last season but remains a recognisable figure in English football after a long career that began at Sunderland. Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Colback joined the Sunderland academy at the age of 10 and signed his first professional contract at the Stadium of Light in May 2008. After progressing through the youth system, he was loaned out to Ipswich Town for the 2009–10 season, where he made an immediate impression – scoring against Blackpool and earning the Players’ Player of the Season award at Portman Road.
His performances earned him a recall to Wearside, and he made his Premier League debut for Sunderland in April 2010 against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Over the following seasons, Colback became a dependable and versatile presence under managers Steve Bruce, Martin O’Neill and Gus Poyet, operating across midfield and at full-back when required.
He scored his first goal for Sunderland in a 1–1 draw with Everton in December 2011 and later added another in an FA Cup replay win over Middlesbrough. By 2013–14, he had established himself as one of the club’s most consistent performers, scoring a dramatic late equaliser at Cardiff City and netting the decisive goal in a 2–0 win over West Bromwich Albion that secured Sunderland’s Premier League safety.
In total, Colback made more than 130 appearances for the Black Cats, scoring five goals and playing a key role in one of the club’s most memorable Tyne–Wear derbies – the 3–0 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park in April 2013.
However, his decision to move directly to Newcastle United on a free transfer in June 2014 caused shockwaves across the North East. Colback became the first player in 16 years to move directly between the fierce rivals, following in the footsteps of goalkeeper Lionel Pérez. Reflecting on the move at the time, Colback admitted he expected backlash from Sunderland fans, saying: “I know Sunderland fans will probably hate me for the rest of my life.”
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During his time at St James’ Park, Colback made over 100 appearances, scoring notable goals against Everton and Burnley, before later spells with Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers. Now, more than two decades after joining Sunderland’s academy, Colback’s latest outing comes in a very different setting – the televised Baller League, where former professionals and social-media players compete in front of live audiences.
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