Colin Kaepernick Says He Knows His White Adoptive Parents ‘Loved’ Him But There Were ‘Very Problematic’ Things That Occurred During His Upbringing

Colin Kaepernick Says He Knows His White Adoptive Parents ‘Loved’ Him But There Were ‘Very Problematic’ Things That Occurred During His Upbringing

Given that Colin Kaepernick has established a strong image as a champion of justice and equality for all, it might surprise some to learn that his white adoptive parents perpetuated racism.

The former NFL player made the allegations in a recent interview, sharing that he had difficulties growing up in a “problematic” household.

Colin Kaepernick said,

“I know my parents loved me, but there were still very problematic things that I went through.”

He continued,

“It was important to show that, no, this can happen in your own home, and how we move forward collectively while addressing the racism that is being perpetuated.”

Colin Kaepernick explores his circumstances in detail in his forthcoming graphic novel. “Change the Game” chronicles the athlete turned social justice activist’s transition from high school to his illustrious athletic career. The project also emphasizes his lack of control over his course in life, particularly how his parents attempted to direct him in the way they believed was best.

A battle over his hairstyle is one of the disputes depicted in the book. Kaepernick wanted to embrace his Blackness by donning cornrows to emulate basketball star Allen Iverson — but his mother, Teresa, objected, saying,

“Oh, your hair’s not professional. Oh, you look like a little thug.”

Kaepernick claimed the discussion with his mother continued to affect him decades later, even influencing his now-famous afro hairstyle. He said,

“It also is informed why I have my hair long today.”

According to Kaepernick, the lack of racial harmony in his own household prompted him to look for community elsewhere — leading to his controversial career in the NFL, where there is a significant amount of Black players.

The former quarterback sparked nationwide debates when, in 2016, he chose to remain seated during the national anthem before a San Francisco 49ers game. He claimed the purpose of the protest was to increase public consciousness of systemic racism and police brutality.

In the weeks that followed, Kaepernick persisted in his protest, choosing to kneel during the anthem and sparking what became known as the #TakeAKnee movement.

During the interview, he added,

“You know, very similar to the messaging of the book is I don’t have control over all of these situations. But I control how I respond to it, I control how I prepare for it, and I’m a believer that in doing that, good things will happen.”

Colin Kaepernick

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[VIA, VIA]