Kaepernick's Mom Wanted Him to Date Taylor Swift

The former NFL quarterback reveals in his memoir that his adoptive mother suggested he pursue the pop star, not understanding his identity.

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Sep 17, 2026

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Kaepernick's Mom Wanted Him to Date Taylor Swift

The former NFL quarterback reveals in his memoir that his adoptive mother suggested he pursue the pop star, not understanding his identity.

In brief

The former NFL quarterback reveals in his memoir that his adoptive mother suggested he pursue the pop star, not understanding his identity. Kaepernick uses the anecdote to illustrate how his white adoptive parents failed to see and accept his true self as a biracial Black man. Originally reported by Billboard.

Mom thought Swift was perfect match

Colin Kaepernick and Taylor Swift

Colin Kaepernick's mother once suggested he ask out Taylor Swift, believing they would be perfect together. This happened years before Swift married Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.

“she told me that I should ask out Taylor Swift because we would be perfect together”

Kaepernick reveals in new memoir

The revelation comes from Kaepernick's memoir, The Perilous Fight, published on September 15th. He uses the anecdote to show how his adoptive parents didn't understand his true identity.

Not his type, he says plainly

Kaepernick responded diplomatically, writing that while he has no slight against Swift, she simply wasn't his type. He emphasizes this wasn't about the singer herself.

“No slight to Taylor, but she was not my type.”

Pattern of racial preference revealed

Pattern of racial preference revealed

Kaepernick contrasts the Swift suggestion with his mother hiding a homecoming photo with his Black classmate Crystal, then proudly displaying one with his white friend Lindsay instead.

“In her mind, Crystal was just a phase. Lindsay was the kind of girl I should want.”

Kaepernick found happiness elsewhere

Kaepernick is now married to radio personality Nessa Diab, with whom he welcomed a child in 2022. His wedding was far less publicized than Swift's.

Swift married Kelce in summer 2026

Taylor Swift married Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce over Fourth of July weekend in 2026 at Madison Square Garden with about 1,000 guests. She has since attended his games.

Kaepernick's NFL career ended in 2016

Kaepernick hasn't played in the NFL since the 2016-2017 season, when he kneeled during the national anthem to protest police brutality. He later settled a collusion grievance against the league.

The big picture

Kaepernick uses the anecdote to illustrate how his white adoptive parents failed to see and accept his true self as a biracial Black man.

Read the original on Billboard

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