Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode features an in-depth conversation about identity, adoption, systemic racism, and the intersection of sports and social justice through the life and career of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The guest reflects on growing up adopted by a white family in a predominantly white California town, the formative moments when he first confronted racism as a child, and how he eventually found cultural community and resilience through football and mentors. The conversation also explores the heavy scrutiny faced by black athletes in the NFL, the parallels between the league's pre-draft combine and historical practices, and the evolution that led to his historic decision to kneel during the national anthem.
Dax and Monica introduce Colin Kaepernick and preview his book, The Perilous Fight.
Colin recounts his adoption, family dynamics, and early experiences of racism in a white community.
The conversation shifts to how black athletes navigate cultural identity and acceptance within team environments.
Discussion moves to the rigorous training and camaraderie in football that fosters resilience and mutual support.
The focus turns to the NFL combine, explaining its interview-like process and the hidden medical evaluations that shape a player's draft prospects.
The dialogue shifts to the NFL's handling of player protests, the historical parallels to slave auctions, and the broader implications for black quarterbacks.
The discussion moves to a detailed recount of a recent Metallica concert, including backstage experiences, fan interactions, and the emotional impact of the performance.
Childhood Racism and Isolationstory
At eight years old, the guest experienced a traumatic racially motivated attack by neighborhood kids and chose not to tell his parents, fearing they would not understand or believe him.
First Black Barber Shop Experiencestory
Visiting a Modesto barber shop in middle school provided the guest with his first profound sense of cultural community and relief from constantly feeling different.
NFL Combine Parallelsinsight
The guest discusses how the invasive practices and physical humiliation of the NFL pre-draft combine closely parallel historical slave auction blocks.
Racial Biases in Quarterback Evaluationsinsight
The discussion highlights the persistent double standard in professional football where white quarterbacks are praised for intellect while black quarterbacks are reduced to physical attributes.
The Birth of Kaepernick-ingstory
A derogatory media article criticizing the guest's appearance during his historic 2012 Super Bowl run backfired and inspired an international solidarity movement known as Kaepernick-ing.
The Evolution of the Kneelstrategy
Teammate Eric Reid suggested taking a knee at the front during the national anthem to address both the protests against police brutality and criticisms regarding team unity.
“I was like, my Lord, that hand is as big as my whole torso.”
“You either fully embrace black culture and that's just who you are. Or the flip side, you just go all in on like assimilating and trying to prove your proximity to whiteness.”
“I think some of that also comes out of like the space of football where it's like, you're constantly going to be challenged. That's just part of the environment.”
“The history of black quarterback is basically the quarterback position is viewed as like the CEO position. And that largely has been reserved for white people or white men in this instance.”
“I think that speaks very similar to like, the black quarterback conversation of, well, who should be leading? If it's this white man that's helping lead, that's better.”
“I paid twenty-five hundred, just for the record.”
“Squarespace makes it feel like a step.”
“I think I lent you through in the trash.”
Colin Kaepernick (The Perilous Fight, Colin in Black & White, I Color Myself Different) is a former NFL quarterback, author, and civil rights activist. Colin joins Armchair Expert to discuss growing up Black in a white adoptive family, finding belonging in a Modesto barbershop, and choosing football over Major League Baseball prospects. Colin and Dax talk about the racial code words used to evaluate quarterbacks, reaching the Super Bowl in his tenth career start, and the teammate who helped turn sitting into kneeling. Colin explains why loving parents can still have blind spots, how reading Malcolm X reframed his childhood, and what happens when your daughter inherits your refusal to back down. Start your 2 month free trial today: https://youtube.com/premium . Terms Apply. Cancel Anytime. Check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds: https://www.allstate.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
24,456 words · 5 speakers
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