Colin Kaepernick recalls ‘problematic’ moments from childhood, being raised by white adoptive parents

Colin Kaepernick talked about coming to terms with his racial identity in an interview aired Thursday on CBS News.

In an effort to promote his new graphic novel, “Change the Game,” the former NFL quaterback discussed obstacles he faced growing up with white adoptive parents, a process that occasionally led to problematic or racist disagreements, he said.

“I know my parents loved me. But there were still very problematic things that I went through,” said the Kaepernick.

“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,” the 35-year-old added.

Kaepernick said he wrote the graphic novel to help kids who may be going through similar challenges around identity, family and major life decisions.

He shares his own story in the book, including an anecdote about when he wanted to get cornrows to look more like NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson.

Kaepernick shared in the interview that his mother thought the hairstyle did not make him look professional, and instead made him appear thuggish. It was a moment that Kaepernick says shaped his sense of his identity moving forward.

“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,” he said in the interview.

Kaepernick became a leader in the social justice movement when he began taking a knee during the National Anthem during his days playing for the San Francisco 49ers.

In the time since, he has focused on charitable work and other forms of activism, and has also signed endorsement deals with Nike and other companies, in addition to having his own animated Netflix series.