Former NFL quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, is opening up about his childhood, admitting that his adoptive parents perpetuated racism at times while raising him.
In an interview with CBS News, Kaepernick discussed his new graphic novel, “Change The Game,” and the process of accepting his racial identity while being raised by a white family. The former NFL player recounted instances of conflict with his parents, describing his upbringing as “problematic.”
“I know my parents loved me. But there were still very problematic things that I went through,” Kaepernick said. “I think 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.”
In his novel, Kaepernick provided a specific memory, recalling a high school argument with his parents about his hairstyle. The 35-year-old remembered receiving resistance from his parents when he wanted to style his hair in cornrows like his idol, NBA player Allen Iverson.
Kaepernick stated that his mother warned him that his cornrow hair would appear unprofessional and he’ll “look like a little thug.”
Despite this backlash, Kaepernick revealed that those teenage moments played a role in his decision as an adult to celebrate his racial identity.
“Those become spaces where it’s like, ‘Okay, how do I navigate the situation now?’ But it also has informed why I have my hair long today,” Kaepernick added.
Kaepernick brought major attention to police brutality and racism by protesting the national anthem and kneeling on the field during NFL games.
