The NFL World still hopes for the return of Colin Kaepernick to the gridiron one day. However, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback seems more pleased with the journey ahead. And one particular person’s help and influence became crucial to that process.

In his new graphic novel, ‘Change the Game’, the controversial NFL star and 2x WAC Offensive Player of the Year props up his friendship with activist and author Tiffany Cross. The television personality and Kaepernick share something deep and unique in common, and their conversations went on, way after everyone else was finished.

Colin Kaepernick released his new book this week

Kaepernick co-wrote his graphic novel ‘Change The Game’ with Eve L. Ewing, and had help with the illustrations from Orlando Caicedo. And in the book now available on Audible, Colin details his journey from having to choose between baseball and football as a young athlete to facing the wrath of the nation for kneeling during the National Anthem of an NFL game.

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And Tiffany Cross played a pivotal role in shaping Colin’s focus. “I took every opportunity possible to be places where I could let my guard down. Like when I hung out with Tiffany and our friends after practice. I felt comfortable around them, but even more comfortable around just her,” Colin narrates in the audiobook.

“We would talk and talk. One day we talked so long that all our friends eventually left us at the restaurant. Just us two. Sharing a booth. She understood exactly how I felt and vice-versa,” he said while they each discussed their future paths and their favorite sport.

Colin spoke about the possibility of his return

This is not his first book dedicated to a young audience. Colin Kaepernick also collaborated with illustrator Eric Wilkerson to put out the children’s book, ‘I Color Myself Different’. However, NPR’s Juana Summers couldn’t complete her interview about his first graphic novel without asking Colin Kaepernick about the chances of a comeback to the NFL.

“My focus is always on what I can do moving forward. What can I do to change my present and my future? So training at 4:30 to be able to have the opportunity to make a comeback – absolutely. That’s something I do five days a week still. But as far as looking back, that’s not something I do.” Colin told in the interview ahead of the launch of his book.

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Since his absence from football, Kaepernick has focused more on his creativity than his athletic goals. Having authored two books now, Kaepernick is also present in the media space as the QB created the Netflix docu-series ‘Colin in Black and White’, based on his personal experiences. He also has his own three-part true crime documentary on Hulu called ‘Killing County’. And with the shift to show business, a return to the field gradually becomes a bigger challenge for Colin.