Colin Kaepernick accuses his White adoptive parents of 'perpetuating racism'

May 2024 · 5 minute read

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Controversial football player recently revealed that his white adoptive parents perpetuated racism. According to the former NFL star, it was difficult for him to grow up in a "problematic" home. He addresses this issue in his upcoming graphic novel 'Change the Game.'

Kaepernick who once called the 4th of July a "celebration of " said, "I know my parents loved me, but there were still very problematic things that I went through," reports . "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," said Kaepernick. 

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What did Colin Kaepernick say in his new book?

The graphic novel 'Change the Game' chronicles Kaepernick's journey from high school to his illustrious athletic career, focusing on his lack of control over his destiny. His parents, in particular, tried to set him on the best possible path, leading to several disputes between them and their adopted son.

'You look like a little thug'

One of the novel's depicted disputes was over his hairstyle. In an effort to emulate basketball player Allen Iverson, Kaepernick wanted to show off his blackness by wearing cornrows, but his mother refused. "He’s getting what rolls?" his mother, Teresa, is mentioned as saying in the book, reports In reality, she allegedly said to him, "Oh, your hair’s not professional. Oh, you look like a little thug."

According to Kaepernick, the discussion with his mother has continued to influence his life decades later, even affecting his now-famous afro hairstyle. "It also is informed why I have my hair long today," Kaepernick stated Thursday, March 9.

Who are Colin Kaepernick's adoptive parents?

Colin Kaepernick is best known as the former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers. His life did not go smoothly. He was born on November 3, 1987 to Heidi Russo, who was 19 years old at the time. When he was only five weeks old, his biological mother Russo decided to give him up for adoption. The identity of his biological father' is still unknown, reports .

The NFL star was adopted by Wisconsin-based white couple Rick and Teresa Kaepernick. The couple had two biological children, a son named Kyle, and a daughter Devon. In a 2019 conversation with , Kaepernick was frank about his upbringing with white parents. "You have a family that you love, but you know you don’t look like. And at a young age, I understood that I was different; I didn’t understand what that meant. So, as I got older it was something that developed. As my identity developed and my place in society and my understanding of that developed, my parents and my family had develop as well," he stated. "But it’s been one that [they’ve] worked through, and [they’ve] always been really loving in the process… I wouldn’t do it with anybody else."

What is Colin Kaepernick's ethnicity?

Kaepernick struggled with his identity outside of sports while growing up in a blended family. He felt he was misled from a cultural standpoint. Despite being biracial and having white adoptive parents, Kaepernick identified as a Black man, and was viewed as such in his environment. His latest graphic novel, 'Change the Game,' is inspired by his upbringing and struggles as a teenager. In an interview with , the NFL star revealed what allowed him to fully accept and embrace his blackness. Kaepernick claims Allen Iverson, also known as 'The Answer,' gave him the foundation for his personality. This cultural figure's bravado, braids and ability to humiliate everyone on the basketball court - including 'His Airness' Michael Jordan - gave him a new model of blackness to create and develop.

Colin Kaepernick race controversy recap

Kaepernick has not played a down since opting out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016 the same year he began his protest. The player sparked a nationwide controversy with his attempt to protest police brutality in the country. Other players quickly followed his lead and joined the protest during the 2016 season, and many others have joined since.

President even urging NFL team owners to oust the players who were taking part in it. The NFL revealed a rule requiring all players to stand during the national anthem, in 2017. Instead of kneeling outside, the organization offered the players the chance to wait until the ceremony was over by standing off the field. In an interview, he stated, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of colour. To me, this is bigger than football," reports

What is Colin Kaepernick doing now?

Colin Kaepernick is currently a client of the Creative Arts Agency (CAA), as first reported by . He has stayed incredibly active over the past few years despite not spiraling. ESPN revealed last year that it would create a multi-part documentary about Kaepernick with Jemele Hill, who will also serve as a producer on the project. The documentary will be directed by Spike Lee, claims

In 2021, the NFC champion collaborated with award-winning director Ava DuVernay to produce. The plot of the limited series focused on Kaepernick during his senior year in high school. In terms of literature, Kaepernick is a New York Times bestselling author for his children's picture book, I Color Myself Different. At 35, the prospect of a football career has, undoubtedly, dimmed. However, today's CAA news demonstrates that his job outside of the field is only rising in reach. 

Making moves in 2023! Let’s get it!🚀

— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) January 26, 2023

 

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