Retired NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has attracted media popularity after attempting to join the New York Jets. Despite the rejection, he continues to be a force in the headlines as his controversial exit from the NFL surfaces again. And this time, we get a better glimpse into the world of the former San Francisco 49ers QB.

Colin Kaepernick remained true to his perception of right and wrong when he sat during the national anthem in the 2016 preseason game. This unlawful action raised much criticism and backlash from both the NFL community and the political department. But could the 35-year-old’s actions be a reflection of his gloomy childhood?

Colin Kaepernick had a rough childhood

Perhaps Colin Kaepernick’s life behind football plays a huge part in his notion of racial discrimination. His bereaved childhood phase began when his birth mother, Heidi Russo, gave birth to him at 19 and gave him up for adoption a few weeks later. Rick and Teresa Kaepernick took Colin Kaepernick into their care, along with their children Kyle and Devon. 

Growing up as a biracial child, Colin Kaepernick knew he was different from his parents and siblings. But he admits that his foster parents let him be whoever he needed to be, and he “never felt that he was supposed to be white or Black.” But alas! If only the world views him the same way as his parents do! 

Racial discrimination became a huge part of his childhood that even crept in as he grew older. He said, “We used to go on driving vacations in summer and stay at motels. And every year, in every motel’s lobby, the same thing happened, getting only worse as I got taller and older.“ He wasn’t even able to go for summer vacations with his family without a manager or someone picking him out of the group as though he wasn’t part of the family because of his color. 

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But amidst the discrimination, Rick and Teresa Kaepernick have been very supportive of him through every step of his life. He said of his parents, “They have been very loving in the process, and you know I can’t imagine doing it with anybody else.“

Colin Kaepernick as a civil rights activist post-NFL retirement

After departing from the NFL in 2016, Colin Kaepernick went on to become a civil rights activist. He founded Know Your Rights Camp with long-time partner Nessa. This charitable foundation has raised more than $1 million to empower disadvantaged youths. 

The retired NFL player also founded the Colin Kaepernick Foundation, a non-profit organization that protests against oppression and police brutality through education and social activism. He earns the support of famous icons like Alicia Keys for this noble and charitable cause. 

Maybe Colin Kaepernick’s fixated target on racial discrimination stems from his traumatic childhood, as he was denied certain privileges because he’s black. But perhaps everybody has learned something from these stories. While he may not be on the field anymore, he is certainly making an impression in civil rights activism. 

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