Colin Kaepernick Bio: Career, Career & Personal Life

Very few people have the guts to speak against injustice. It is even harder when you are in the limelight as you will be judged based on your one statement, which may eventually ruin your career.

Colin Kaepernick is one brave footballer who never fails to speak against injustice. Likewise, he is a civil rights activist as well.

To protect against police brutality, Colin once knelt during the national anthem at the start of NFL games.

Colin had a good childhood; his biological mother gave him adoption when he was only 5 weeks old.

Even though he was adopted, he was given immense love and care. Colin’s parents were so supportive, and they even encouraged him to play football from his early childhood.

Colin even played football from his high school and college. Today, he has earned so much respect on his own, and he definitely deserves appreciation for this.

Today, we dive into the life of Colin Kaepernick. Here we will discuss his early life, age, career, net worth, personal life, and many more.

But first, let us have an instant glance at the quick facts.

Quick Facts:

Colin Kaepernick | Early Life, Family & Education

Colin Rand Kaepernick, famous as Colin Kaepernick, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 3, 1987.

He was born to Heidi Russo (birth mom, buts she couldn’t keep her son with her due to some circumstances, so she gave him for adoption.

Likewise, Colin’s birth father left Russo before Colin was born. Later, when Colin was 5 weeks old, he was adopted by a White couple named Rick Kaepernick and Teressa Kaepernick.

Sadly, they both were going through the trauma of losing their kids to heart defeat. Hence, they adopted him and gave him all the love and care.

Before Kaepernick’s lived in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, but later, they moved to California when Colin was 4 years old.

Indeed, Colin was one bright and talented student. He began playing youth football as a defensive end and Punter When he was just 8 years old.

Likewise, at the age of 9, he was the youth team’s starting quarterback. Besides, he went to John H. A Pitman High School, where he scored a 4.0 GPA.

Besides football, Colin was also interested in baseball and basketball. Similarly, he was the Central California Conference’s most valuable player in football.

To talk about his parents, they were always supportive. They helped Colin to achieve whatever he is today. Even Colin believes it would not have been possible without them.

Hence, Colin started his career early; he played playing professionally from his Nevada College days.

Colin Kaepernick | Early Career

Colin was interested in sports from his childhood and started his career early. Surprisingly, Collin received many scholarships and high school accolades as a baseball pitcher.

During his high school days, he was active in baseball than football. But he wanted to play football more than anything else.

However, the only college which offered a scholarship for football was the University of Nevada. Hence, he got admission to the college, and he started his career from there.

College Career

In 2007, Colin joined college and began his career as a backup quarterback for the Wolf Pack.

With 19 passing touchdowns, three interceptions, and 2,175 passing yards, Colin finishes the season with a 53.8% finishing percentage.

Further, he passed 2000 yards and rushed 1000 yards in a single season, making him the fifth person in the history of NCCA to create that record.

However, Colin was selected in the 2009 MLB draft by Chicago Cubs. But Collin denied the offer as he wanted to play football.

Later, in 2009, Kaepernick finishes his junior season with 2,052 yards, 20 passing touchdowns. Even though his team lost the match, he was given the MPV award.

At the end of the game, he was given the WAC Offensive Player of the year. Besides, Colin was also named as first-team All-Wac quarterback.

Surprisingly, Colin led his team to victory against the previously 24-game win streak, undefeated Boise State Broncos.

After finishing the senior year with 3,022 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions, Kaepernick joined Tim Tebowonn on November 26, 2010.

Finally, Colin ended his college career with 10,098 passing yards, 24 interceptions, 4,112 rushing yards, and 59 rushing touchdowns.

Surprisingly, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management with a 4.00 GPA.

Also, check out: <<Top 99 Colin Kaepernick Quotes>>

Colin Kaepernick | Professional Career

After Colin completed his studies in 2011, he was eligible for the NFL Draft.

Finally, Kaepernick was traded by the San Francisco 49ers in the thirteenth pick. However, he was picked in fourth place in the second round.

Furthur, Colin attempted only five passes during the season as he was a backup for Alex Smith for the whole 2011 season.

However, in the second half of the 2012 season, Kaepernick got the chance to replace Smith.

Finally, in the next game, which took place on November 19, Colin gets his first NFL start against the Chicago Bears.

In this match, Colin was considered more dynamic with his arm strength and scrambling ability.

Besides, Kaepernick performed well in all the matches of that season. And creates NFL single-game record for rushing yards by a quarterback.

Even though he was in the beginning stage of his career, he breaks all the previous records of the 49ers by the end of the 2012 season.

Likewise, in the 2013 divisional round, Kaepernick scored 196 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and 15 running yards.

Not so surprisingly, in 2014, Colin signs the biggest contract of his career. He signs a six-year contract with 49ers worth $126 million, with $54million as a potential guarantee and $13 million fully guaranteed.

Besides, in 2013, the NFL fines $10,000 to Colin as he appears at a post-game press conference wearing headphones from Beats by Dre.

However, the sponsor of the headphones for the league was Bose.

After the head coach was changed, Colin had a hard time dealing with it in 2015. However, Collin could not play the 2015 season due to a shoulder injury.

2016- 2020

In 2016, Colin was recovering from his injury, weight loss, and muscle mass loss. After recovery, he had to face Gabbert for the position of quarterback.

However, in mid-2016, news came that Colin amended the contract with the 49ers and made it a 2-year contract instead of 6 years.

Later, in 2016 49ers told Colin that they were planning to release him. However, on March 3, Kaepernick himself opts out and becomes a free agent at the 2017 NFL season.

After Colin was released, any of the clubs were not picking him. It was because, in 2016, NFL Collin knelt during the national anthem.

Even though he did this to protest against police brutality and color discrimination, and many took it as an offense.

Many clubs were considering hiring him, but they didn’t fear the backlash and criticism they would receive from the public after hiring Colin.

However, later the news came that NFL and Colins have settled their disputes. Besides, in February of 2019, Collin talked with the Alliance of American Football and XFL to become a quarterback.

Later, Colin demanded $20,000,000 per season, which both AAF and XFL couldn’t agree on.

Colin Kaepernick | Career as an Activist

• In 2016, NFL protests (kneeling while playing the national anthem) against police brutality and color discrimination.
• Similarly, in 2019 Collin made Nike withdraw its Independence Day collection. Nike shoe featured Betsy Ross Flag, which Colin, along with some other people, found offensive.
• Colin, along with his wife Nessa, founded the “Know Your Rights Camp.” Likewise, in 2020 Kaepernick donated $100,000 to that fund for individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Colin Kaepernick | Career Highlights and Achievements

• 2008: WAC Offensive Player of the Year 
• 2010: WAC Offensive Player of the Year 
• 181 yards: NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game 
• 264 yards: NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single postseason 

Colin Kaepernick | Summary Career Stats

How old is Colin Kaepernick? Age, Height & Body Measurement

At the time of writing, Collin is 33 years old as of 2024. He is African-American by ethnicity and follows Christianity.

However, he is a religious person. Further, Colin celebrates his birthday every year just a month before Christmas.

Likewise, Collin has dark brown eyes and light brown hair. Similarly, Kaepernick is 6 ft. 4 inches tall and weighs around 104 kg.

As Colin is a player, he needs to maintain a good physique. Definitely, he has one good and healthy body.

You can find the game log, splits, stats, and plays of Colin Kaepernick on the ProFootballReference website.

Colin Kaepernick Net Worth

It is assumed that Colin has a net worth of $20 million. However, Kaepernick’s salary as a quarterback earned roughly around $43 million from 2011-2016.

Surely, Colin lives a luxurious life as he deserves to live one because he has worked really hard to be in that position.

Who is Colin Kaepernick’s wife? Personal Life and Wife

It is always said, love conquers all. No matter what, you will end up with the one who is meant for you. Likewise, Colin surprises everyone by marrying Nessa Diab in 2020.

Nessa and Colin first started dating back in 2015. They dated each other for 5 years before getting married. 

Both of them were sure that they were meant for one another. Indeed, they never felt those butterflies in their bellies before.

Talking about, Neasa Diab is a media personality. Besides, Diab also works as a host for radio and TV, interviews various celebrities.

Diab also started a foundation along with her husband (then boyfriend) in 2016.

Likewise, she also supported Colin during his 2016 controversy. Diab defended him on various occasions.

She stood by his side whenever he needed her. Diab was supporting Colin both mentally and emotionally.

As time flies, their life has only grown; definitely, they are deeply in love with each other.

Currently, they together are helping individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through their own funds.

Social Media Presence:

Twitter: 2.4 million followers

Instagram: 3.8 million followers

Some FAQs:

How many tattoos does Colin Kaepernick have?

Colin Kaepernick is reported to have 13 tattoos on his body.

When was the last game of Colin Kaepernick?

Kaepernick played his last NFL game, on Jan 1, 2017, against Seattle Seahawks.

What did Michael Vick advise Colin Kaepernick?

Michael Vick advised Colin to have a haircut. Vick mentioned during his interviews at Speak For Yourself saying that Colin’s struggles are rooted because of his image. So, he advised Kaepernick to represent himself appropriately and be presentable.

Is Colin Kaepernick organizing an open workout session?

Colin Kaepernick held an open workout session with the help of his team on November 16, 2019. The session was held at Atlanta-area high school.

How much is a Colin Kaepernick rookie card worth?

Colin Kaepernick’s rookie card price ranges from $0.50–$149.99. His average rookie card price is valued at $12.99. 

What football team is Colin Kaepernick on?