Radio personality Nessa Diab and free agent NFL quarterback and civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick welcomed their first child together, according to Diab. The baby was born a few weeks ago, according to Diab’s Instagram post. She wasn’t sure whether they were going to share this personal news but decided to on Sunday. However they did not reveal the baby’s sex.
“I thought long and hard about sharing our life changing news today. I decided to do so because today is the first day in a few weeks where I stepped out for work with a new life title – MOM!
“Colin and I welcomed our amazing baby to the world a few weeks ago and we are over the moon with our growing family.”
Kaep and Diab started dating in 2015 while he was still in the NFL as a member of the San Francisco 49ers. Diab has been instrumental in many of Kaep’s civil rights and social justice efforts including the Know Your Rights Camp.
Both Kaep and Diab have been quiet the last few weeks, understandably so. Diab briefly alluded to her post-pregnancy recovery saying it has been a challenge.
“Recovering after delivery has been a journey (more on that later) and honestly I wasn’t going to share anything because this is sooooo personal to us and I realized I’m a complete mama bear! Colin is the most amazing dad and I’m soooo grateful that he is by our side for every moment of this journey.”
Shortly after posting the announcement of their first child, Diab posted a photo from the MTV VMA Red Carpet. She hosted the pre-awards show festivities on Sunday night.
“Almost show time! Hosting the @MTV#VMA red carpet at 6:30pm tonight! Thank you so much to @kidzoly@mtv@vmas for everything and supporting me on this new chapter of my life!…See you guys on the carpet! – Mom”
A growing family and his social justice efforts are more than enough to keep Kaep busy. Has he given up on playing in the NFL?
At 34 years old and six years removed from his last NFL snap, the prospect of his return is unlikely. Regardless of how many workouts he has and interviews he gives about his willingness to earn a spot.
“I know I have to find my way back in,” Kaepernick told Brandon Marshall, Chad Johnson and Adam “Pacman” Jones in an interview with the “I Am Athlete” podcast. “So, yeah, if I have to come in as a backup, that fine. But that’s not where I’m staying. And when I prove that I’m a starter, I want to be able to step on the field as such. I just need that opportunity to walk through the door.”
In 2016 when Kaepernick kneeled during the national anthem to protest police brutality and systematic racism against Black and Brown people he was blackballed from the league, and set off a firestorm of controversy the league is still dealing with.
Team owners and general managers would rather employ players that have committed domestic violence and sexual assault, than deal with the potential backlash from the racist portion of their fanbases for giving Kaepernick a shot.
The NFL has made it clear where their priorities lie and what matters most. Deep down Kaep has to know this too.
