Heidi Russo is the biological mother of Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick played college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack, where he was named the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Offensive Player of the Year twice and became the only player in NCAA Division I history to amass 10,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards in a career. Russo gave Colin up for adoption soon after giving birth to him at the age of 19. Colin was adopted by Rick and Teresa Kaepernick, a white couple from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, who had two biological children: a son named Kyle and a daughter named Devon. He instead moved to an Atlanta-area high school, where he held a public throwing session attended by scouts from seven NFL teams. Based on her Facebook profile, she studied nursing at the University of Wisconsin and works as a registered nurse at Good Samaritan Medical Center. His birth mother, Heidi, also became a nurse as well. Kaepernick, 34, sparked controversy for kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice while he was a San Francisco 49er. He was also involved in several other dairy industry organizations, including California Creamery Operators Association (where he served as president). [113], Before November 2019, Kaepernick had not had an NFL tryout since becoming a free agent. [170] Kaepernick spoke about his faith saying, "I think God guides me through every day and helps me take the right steps and has helped me to get to where I'm at. [113][114] Reid had been unsigned for a stretch before joining the Carolina Panthers. [158] NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell put out a statement in which he apologized for not listening to the concerns of African-American players. Kaepernick shot to international fame for protesting police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem. "[159][160] In August, after the shooting of Jacob Blake, a black man, Goodell said that he wished the NFL had listened earlier to Kaepernick's reasons for kneeling. They have been very open about the difficulties they and he faced while Colin was growing up and the prejudice they often encountered because of their different skin colours. [13][17][18], Kaepernick lived in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, until age four, when his family moved to California. His birth mother is Italian-American while his birth father is African-American. The rest, as they say, is history. "I think about them every day," Teresa told ESPN of Lance and Kent. Kaepernick won NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 15 against the New England Patriots. Out! Colin Kaepernick at Charles R Drew high school on November 16, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images. Heidi, then 19, raised Colin for a few weeks while looking for the right family to raise him. Colin Kaepernick on His New Graphic Memoir, They had birth kids of their own before adopting Colin, They are from Wisconsin but moved to California, Rick Kaepernick had a longtime career in the cheese industry, They supported Colin's decision to take a knee in 2015, Raising Colin has been a learning process for the whole family, Colin Kaepernick Says He Found It 'Very Difficult' to Call Out Adoptive Parents Over Racial Issues, Nick Offerman and Mary Louise Parker Cast as Colin Kaepernick's Parents in Netflix Series, Who Is Michael Phelps' Wife? I looked at her and she nodded and I just picked him up out of the carrier. The quarterback once opened up about his [adoptive] parents, not making him feel like he's not their son, and he credits his [adoptive] mother for making sure everyone at the little league baseball games knew she is his mother. In a related case, Eric Reid, who was the first to join Kaepernick in kneeling when they were 49ers teammates, also settled with the league. ", "Four Years After Colin Kaepernick Kneeled, NFL Quarterbacks Are Starting To Speak Out", "Dallas Cowboys VP Stephen Jones declines chance to back Roger Goodell's stance on Colin Kaepernick's protests", "Colin Kaepernick calls for abolishing police and prisons in new essay", "Colin Kaepernick grilled by Miami Herald reporter over Fidel Castro shirt", "Colin Kaepernick addresses his Fidel Castro t-shirt after playing in Miami", "Colin Kaepernick Had a Dubious Take About Fidel Castro's Legacy", "SCHOLASTIC TO PUBLISH COLIN KAEPERNICK'S GRAPHIC NOVEL MEMOIR", "Faith Based: Former Nevada standout speaks at local church about life, athletics", "Super Bowl 2013: Colin Kaepernick's tattoos more than skin deep", "Colin Kaepernick Does Not Care What You Think About His Tattoos", "Colin Kaepernick shows off his post-Super Bowl tattoos", "Kaepernick social media posts laud Black Lives Matter, Black Panthers since dating activist DJ", "49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and MTV's Nessa go public with relationship", "Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab Welcome Their First Child", "Kaepernick: Weight loss not due to vegan diet", "From Turlock to S.F., taking the long route", "Colin Kaepernick to Release a Memoir and Start a Publishing Company", "Colin Kaepernick says 'I Color Myself Different' in his first children's book", "Get a first look at Netflix's Colin Kaepernick series 'Colin in Black & White', "Colin Kaepernick is GQ's Citizen of the Year", "Colin Kaepernick Is Recipient of 2017 Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award", "Colin Kaepernick honored with ACLU award", "Colin Kaepernick Wins Amnesty International's Highest Honor", "Kaepernick and Chappelle among eight Du Bois medalists at Harvard", "Kaepernick, Chappelle, Stevenson Receive W.E.B. In the 49ers' third preseason game in 2016, Kaepernick sat during the playing of the U.S. national anthem prior to the game, rather than stand as is customary, as a protest against racial injustice, police brutality and oppression in the country. She might not be Colin Kaepernick's mom in the traditional sense, but she gave him life, and will always be bound to him by blood. Sadly, they also lost two newborn boys, Lance and Kent, to congenital heart defects. And she needed a couple more minutes. On April 29, 2011, the San Francisco 49ers traded up with the Denver Broncos from the thirteenth pick in the second round (45th overall) to select Kaepernick as the fourth pick in the second round (36th overall) at the 2011 NFL Draft. Recovering after delivery has been a journey (more on that later) and honestly I wasnt going to share anything because this is sooooo personal to us and I realized Im a complete mama bear! the new mother went on. Despite having white parents, Colin still suffered prejudice due to his skin. I know my parents loved me, but there were still very problematic things that I went through, the 35-year-old said. The boxers Baltimore upbringing. He hasnt played in the NFL since 2016 after his refusal to stand for the national anthem ahead of games to protest police brutality and racial injustice while he was a San Francisco 49er sparked controversy. Colin Kaepernick, left, and girlfriend Nessa Diab attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" exhibition on Monday, May 6, 2019, in New York. But she refused the help and went to put him for adoption. Also Check Out: Complete NFL Week 12 TV Schedule, Master Your Draft Strategy With Our Free and Easy-to-Use Mock Draft Simulator, Be the first one to comment on this story. Here's everything to know about Teresa and Rick Kaepernick, the couple who raised Colin Kaepernick. She is married to Heath Russo with whom she has three children - Michael, Ethan, and Alex. On March 9, 2023, in an interview with CBS Adriana Diaz, Kaepernick accused his White adoptive parents of perpetuating racism in their household. I vlntr @SF Juvenile Detention. According to reports, Russo's parents offered help to help raise him. Colin Kaepernick's Biological Mother Reveals How She Met Rick and Teresa Kaepernick, His Adoptive Parents: "I Start Crying Because They Were the Ones" Published 07/26/2022, 8:56 AM EDT By Abhimanyu Chaudhary Follow Us via Getty Rick and Teresa Kaepernick adopted Colin Kaepernick when he was just five weeks old. While not much information is available on his parents, Teresa is known as a nurse while Rick is known as the vice president of operations for a cheese company in California. Its an open secret that Colin Kaepernick was raised by white adoptive parents. For years, the Kaepernicks have given back and supported charities like Camp Taylor, a non-profit that supports young people and families of children with heart disease in an effort to create awareness for a very personal cause. It might be a bit baffling to comprehend how a healthcare practitioner could abandon her child. When asked if he would ever speak to Russo, Colin had this to say. https://t.co/ST41o3FHEl, The Seahawks decision to back away from Kaepernick in favor of journeyman Davis was surprising considering coach Pete Carrolls praise for the dual-threat he called a starter in the league.. She wanted the best for Colin. appreciated. Colin in Black & White: Who are Kaepernick's biological parents? [34] He was named second-team All-WAC quarterback for the season. But Teresa stood up for her son and #TakeAKneeMovement Colin started that year. Colin Kaepernicks biological parents put him up for adoption as an infant and he was raised by adoptive parents, Rick and Teresa Kaepernick in the Milwaukee, WI area. [155] Nike's decision to withdraw the product drew criticism from Arizona's Republican Governor, Doug Ducey, who subsequently pulled a US$2 million tax incentive for a Nike factory in the state,[156] and Texas's Republican Senator Ted Cruz. "[158] Michael Rosenberg of Sports Illustrated wrote, "Mainstream white America is going to reconsider Kaepernick at some point the way it reconsidered Muhammad Ali years after he refused to go to Vietnam, the way it reconsidered Jackie Robinson and Jack Johnson. Colin Kaepernick . "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, you'd say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. [26] He became just the sixth player in NCAA history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 or more yards in a single season. Or he may be stirring the pot more, especially with comparing the NFL's selection process to a slavery auction. Russo elaborates that she knows that Colin got the best upbringing possible: I knew I couldnt have provided my son the kind of life he deserved when I became pregnant. Colin Kaepernick's parents, Teresa and Rick Kaepernick, are worth an estimated $3 million. Colins birth fathers identity is not known but he was an African-American, specifically of Ghanaian, Nigerian, and Ivorian descent. Colin's birth father is an African-American man, and he left Russo before their son was born. [136] Photos then surfaced of him wearing socks depicting police officers as pigs. [180] Kaepernick published a children's book titled I Color Myself Different in April 2022 through his publishing company and Scholastic. Really? Skyler Caruso is the Editorial Assistant of PEOPLE Digital. [95][96] On March 3, 2017, he opted out of his contract and became a free agent at the start of the 2017 league year on March 9. However, his parents stand in solidarity with him and support their sons decisions to fight for the rights of others. ( not claiming his maternal mother was unfit at all). The couple has been married for over 30 years and have . [27] At the Humanitarian Bowl, he had 370 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 15 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown, earning the game's MVP award despite his team losing the game. Rick and Teresa Kaepernick are a couple from Wisconsin. It only got worse as I got older and taller,he toldUS Magazine. Thanks for contacting us. https://t.co/ST41o3FHEl, Where am I coming from? He then remained the team's starting quarterback for the rest of the season, leading the team to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1994. 11:30 AM EDT, Mon August 29, 2022. Still, that hasn't stopped her from chiming in on his protests over the years. [94] He planned to run the same offense which he ran the previous year with the Falcons, and did not believe that Kaepernick fit the scheme. [77] He ended the season with 1,615 yards passing, six passing touchdowns, five interceptions and 256 rushing yards with one rushing touchdown in nine games. They gave birth to sons Kyle and daughter Devon. It was also revealed that Kaepernick spent five weeks with his birth mother before she put him up for adoption. The book, titled Colin Kaepernick: Change the Game, is a graphic novel memoir detailing his high school years before he entered the spotlight of professional sports, according to the Scholastic publishing groups press release. The birth mother was there. The player who once led the 49ers to the Super Bowl has failed to sign with a team barely generating interest since opting out of his contract with San Francisco in March. Skyler Caruso. Details about where Colin came from were shown in an episode of the show. "I thought long and hard about sharing our life changing news today. Colin Kaepernick's biological mother is Heidi Russo. Would a certain QB take this? he wrote on Twitter in reference to Kaepernick. The athlete hasnt played in an NFL game for five years, but in May trained with the Las Vegas Raiders. The athlete's ethnicity is African-American. [24][25], As a sophomore, Kaepernick recorded 2,849 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions, 1,130 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. [48] Kaepernick completed 16-of-23 for 246 yards with two touchdowns in a 327 win against a highly ranked Bears defense. We gave her a big hug. Written to the left and right of the cross is the Bible verse Psalm 27:3. [10][11] His birth father, who is a black American (of Ghanaian, Nigerian, and Ivorian ancestry) and whose identity is unknown,[12] separated from Russo before Kaepernick was born. Kaepernick maintained a 4.0 grade point average during his college years and graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in business management. Teresa and Rick welcomed two kids of their own before adopting Colin in 1987. Kaepernick completed eleven of seventeen passes for 117 yards and added 66 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown as the 49ers and the Rams ended the game in a 2424 tie. [110] The NFL requested to dismiss the case but was denied by an arbitrator which meant the case would go to trial. When he saw the backup quarterback whom the Seahawks signed Monday over Kaepernick, Austin Davis, accepted the veteran minimum salary of $775,000 to play, Prisco jumped on the opportunity to reiterate his stance. Teresa and Rick adopted Colin when he was six weeks old from his biological mom Heidi Russo (Colin does not have a relationship with his biological father). What nationality are Colin Kaepernick's Parents? A deeper look into his personal life may show a side that people will begin to identify with. Colin Kaepernick, in full Colin Rand Kaepernick, (born November 3, 1987, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.), American gridiron football player and social activist who had success as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers (2011-16) of the NFL but was better known for kneeling during the national anthem before games to protest racial injustice and He passed for 221 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in the 4134 victory. Easy for you to judge the hardest decision she ever had to make in her life. Colin Kaepernick has been shrouded in controversy since his initial protest, and that has led to him becoming an activist to bring awareness to systemic issues in the US. Did you encounter any technical issues? [130] During a post-game interview, Kaepernick explained his position stating, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. Growing up, Kaepernick has played football, basketball and baseball, and one can account his athletic ability to this. Their statement read: As his parents, it pains us to read articles and tweets saying that his family does not support him; this could not be further from the truth. [143], Inspired by Kaepernick, other NFL players and pro athletes conducted various forms of silent protests during the national anthem. His identity is unknown, as he separated from Heidi before Colins birth. Who are Colin Kaepernick's Birth Parents? Rick Kaepernick is Colins adoptive father. "They brought him in an infant carrier and set him down. In a 2013 interview with Fox News13, she called it the toughest decision she had to make, but the best for the son she nursed for only six weeks. In 1991, he began a career at Hilmar Cheese Company, where he helped in establishing the company's protein production facility. The trainers were designed to celebrate Independence Day. He lost his place in the NFL, and despite support from some quarters, he still received criticism. It was co-written with Eve Ewing. [19] The University of Nevada, Reno was the only college to offer him a football scholarship, and Kaepernick signed with Nevada in February 2006. "Guess that makes me a proud bitch!" Colin Kaepernick is a football quarterback who has played six seasons for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League. Kaepernick is very close with his parents (when asked by ESPN columnist Rick Reilly why he didn't wish to meet his birth mother, Kaepernick said, "It's just -- that's my family. All About Colin Kaepernick's Adoptive Parents, Rick and Teresa Kaepernick. I decided to do so . [73] Following the season, head coach Jim Harbaugh left to coach the University of Michigan. [53][54][55][56], In his first career postseason start, against the Green Bay Packers, Kaepernick had 263 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, one interception and 181 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns as the 49ers defeated the Packers 4531. Theres no definitive information about his parents age but according to sources his birth mom was born in 1969 and is 51 years old. Is there something I can help you with?. [80], Kaepernick was coming off three surgeries entering the 2016 season,[81] needing operations on his thumb and knee in addition to the season-ending shoulder procedure. she tweeted, in response to a journalist sharing an article with Trump's comments. Teresa and Ricks statement castigated Kaepernicks critics. [118] Aside from its scouting combine, the league rarely organizes workouts for all of its teams. All About Michael Jordan's Parents, Deloris and James R. Jordan, Sr. All About Devin Booker's Parents, Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez, Colin Kaepernick on His New Graphic Memoir, 'Change the Game,' and Why Telling His Story Helped Him Grow, Lindsay Lohan's Family: All About the Actress' Parents and Siblings, All About Tiger Woods' Parents, Kultida Woods and Earl Woods, All About Jamie Lee Curtis' Parents, Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, All About Aaron Judge's Parents, Patty and Wayne Judge, Paris Hilton's Family: All About Her Parents and Siblings, All About Lady Gaga's Parents, Cynthia and Joe Germanotta, Who Are Tom Hanks' Kids? Well, God knows who the biological father is Heidi! His birth mom had him when she was just a teenager and that 19-year-old mother was broke and unmarried at that time, thus, the decision of giving up . He left Russo once he learned she was pregnant. [179], In February 2020, Kaepernick started Kaepernick Publishing. An annoyed Teresa toldUSA Today: You are categorizing this kid on something like tattoos? All Rights Reserved. [144][145] Then-49ers head coach Chip Kelly later said that Kaepernick was "zero distraction" that season. We want people to know that we are very proud of our son and admire his strength and courage in kneeling for the rights of others.. [31] He decided that he wanted to continue to play football at the University of Nevada and did not sign with the Cubs.[32]. Soon, Colin was placed for adoption. Imagine the pain she lives with by not seeing her son! She founded the group with Jami Marcantonio. He also said "I am a believer in Malcolm X and his ideology and what he talked about and what he believed in as far as fighting oppression". Colin was born to Heidi Russo when she was 19 years old; in recent years, she has opened up about her past in interviews and on social media, citing the act of putting her son up for adoption as. Despite taking a hit to his NFL career, the 35-year-old has become an inspiration to many. Colin was born to Heidi Russo when she was 19 years old; in recent years, she has opened up about her past in interviews and on social media, citing the act of putting her son up for adoption as one of the "toughest decisions" she's ever made. Colin's decision to kneel during the National Anthem at a San Francisco 49ers game in protest of racial injustice and police brutality in 2016 drew mixed opinions from the public. Following Kaepernick's birth, Russo, then 19, placed him. [139] Kaepernick went on to kneel during the anthem prior to every 49ers game that season. The minute I picked him up, I just cried. Pete, you are so far from the truth it makes me sick. He filed a grievance against the NFL and its owners in November 2017, accusing them of colluding to keep him out of the league which he withdrew in February 2019 after reaching a confidential settlement. However, per Colin's biography on Wikipedia, his biological father is an African-American who is of Ghanaian, Nigerian, and Ivorian ancestry. Heidi sent Colin a letter to read at 18, but it didnt change his decision not to meet with her. Athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick and his partner Nessa Diab announced Sunday the birth of their first child. He is a free agent. In that game, Kaepernick scored 34 points, but future NBA player Ryan Anderson of Oak Ridge scored 50 points to lead his team to a victory. Thats it.. [119] Typically, NFL teams schedule workouts for Tuesdays, when head coaches and general managers can more readily attend. Speaking for the first time, Phyllis and James Zabransky have revealed that throughout . [43], Kaepernick spent the 2011 season as backup to Alex Smith and attempted just five passes in three games during the season. [79] In February 2016, Kaepernick expressed an interest in being traded. Their decision to welcome Colin into their family came out of "a sudden desire that our family wasn't complete," Teresa has said. This includes their home in Turlock, California, which is valued at $2.8 million, and other assets. The minute I picked him up, I just cried. His protests received renewed attention in 2020 amid the George Floyd protests against police brutality and racism, but he remains unsigned by any professional football team. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Heidi Russo. "It's been incredible for children with heart disease. The Milwaukee resident does not want the quarterback's money, but an opportunity to get to know him, and vice-versa. Heidi believed she had no choice but to let Colin go. His right arm features a scroll with the Bible verse Psalm 18:39 written on it. "I know my. They lived in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and had two biological children, Kyle and Devon. [59] The team advanced to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans against the Baltimore Ravens. Colin Kaepernicks Adopted and Biological Parents. In 1987, Colin Kaepernick was born to Heidi Russo before she gave him up for adoption at the age of 19, but it remains unclear who his biological father is. Diab, a radio and television host, made the announcement just before hosting MTVs red carpet show at the Video Music Awards on Sunday night. She left Colin for adoption when she was only 19, unmarried and broke, and gave him to another nurse, Teresa. You never know someones sitiation or Gods plan. View this post on Instagram We've always been very loving in the process and you know I wouldn't do it with anybody else.". She currently lives in Denver, Colorado, US, along with her husband and three children. Kap is a Christian. Following Kaepernicks birth, Russo, then 19, placed him for adoption with Rick and Teresa Kaepernick when he was only 5 weeks old. Among them was former President of the United States, Donald Trump. The parents of embattled San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick have broken their silence on their son's decision to kneel for the playing of the national anthem this season. In 1987, Colin Kaepernick was born to Heidi Russo before she gave him up for adoption at the age of 19, but it remains unclear who his biological father is. Miles Sanders girlfriend Stephany Caraballo. The football quarterback played six seasons for theSan Francisco 49ersand is now a free agent. "I know my parents loved me, but there were still very problematic things that I went through," Colin told the outlet while promoting his new graphic novel, Change the Game. Instagram; Skyler Caruso is the Editorial Assistant of PEOPLE Digital. [65][66] He was ranked 81st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014. Colin, getting involved with us, has given them a piece of their childhood back.". [52] He remained the starter for the rest of the season and led the 49ers to an 1141 record and a berth in the NFL playoffs. [33] Kaepernick led the Wolf Pack to an 85 record and a second-place finish in the WAC behind undefeated Boise State. Mother will long for her child, famous or not. Because of his different skin color, the Kaepernicks reaffirmed that it was perfectly alright, and always stood up for their youngest son. Could you love your son enough to give him to a good family so he could have a father in his life? The series was co-created by Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay. Colin Kaepernick Says He Knows His Adoptive Parents 'Loved' Him, but Struggled to Embrace His Blackness, They adopted Colin when he was six weeks old. Towler, C., Crawford, N., & Bennett, R. (2020). "I'll never forget that day," Teresa told ESPN 26 years later. Settle Collusion Case", "NFL reaches financial settlement with Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid", "Colin Kaepernick Has Not Been Told Who Will Attend His Workout", "Kaepernick's reps address 'false narratives', "NFL's Workout Request Puts Colin Kaepernick Between a Rock and a Hard Place", "Teams invited to Colin Kaepernick workout Saturday", "N.F.L. Rick and Teresa initially avoided commenting on the matter, but reports claiming they opposed Colins actions forced them to speak. He was the most valuable player (MVP) of the Central California Conference in football, leading his school to its first-ever playoff victory. He helped the 49ers to their first Super Bowl appearance in 2012, and also the 2013 NFC Championship Game. [38], Kaepernick finished his collegiate career with 10,098 passing yards, 82 passing touchdowns, 24 interceptions, 4,112 rushing yards and 59 rushing touchdowns. Meet Colin Kaepernick's Biological Mother Heidi Russo and Her Family By Oyin Balogun Nov 30, 2019 10:00 A.M. Heidi Russo was a teenager when she had to make a decision that affected five lives, and set in motion the course those lives would take in years to come, but her choice came with a hefty price. Kaepernick is one of three children Rick and Teresa share. My parents and my family had to develop as well. Cant have it both ways. In a new interview with Mr. Porter's The Journal, NFL star Colin Kaepernick detailed the struggle he faced to define himself after he was adopted from birth by two white parents.
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