Nevada Wolf Pack QB Colin Kaepernick's life story a powerful tale - ESPN
Kaepernick was adopted at birth by Rick and Teresa Kaepernick. His birth mother was 19 when he was born and wanted to give him a better life, according to his family. His birth father left the picture as soon as he found out a baby was on the way, the family said.
Rick and Teresa had two children of their own, but lost two babies shortly after birth because of heart defects. Never mind that Colin was black and they were white. They just wanted another baby. So they took him in, remaining open and honest about his adoption. Though they often get puzzled stares and quizzical looks, nobody in the family thinks much about his place in it.
His birth mother stayed in touch with his parents off and on, but three years ago, she reached out to Colin through Facebook. One day, he logged into his account and had a note and friend request waiting.
They have exchanged messages every once in a while, but have never spoken on the phone or met in person. She did attend his game at Colorado State last season but never made a move to meet him. She told him she was in the stands a week later.
"I think the main thing is she wants to know I'm doing well, and she wants to know that everything worked out for me," Kaepernick said.