“She Seemed So Comfortable”: Colin Kaepernick Was Once Drawn to a Girl Who Wasn’t as Good in Sports but More Confident Than Him

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has diverted his attention to a multitude of ventures outside of the NFL. A legitimate member of the show business club, Kaepernick’s latest production received some backlash for its content. The graphic novel, ‘Change The Game’, maps the passer’s childhood episodes before entering the big leagues. And despite controversies surrounding the themes of racial prejudice highlighted in the novel, Kaepernick does touch on a few light-hearted subjects. Like the girl, he had a crush on.

Way before Colin Kaepernick mesmerized the Bay Area and took them to a Super Bowl appearance in his first season as a starter, the quarterback was a reserved and shy athlete excelling in multiple sports during his schooling. That is when he met Tiffany Shields, an acquaintance of his friend Jeremy. And the two formed an instant connection.

Colin Kaepernick details high school romance in his new novel

‘Change The Game’, which Colin Kaepernick co-authored with the University of Chicago sociologist, Eve L. Ewing, contains a few disputable subjects. Like Colin blaming his adoptive parents for a problematic upbringing. However, Colin’s love life certainly forms the comic relief section in the novel as it takes attention away from the heavy underlying subject. And, in a way, Tiffany Shields served the same function for Colin in real life, a distraction from the struggles and the disciplined life of a three-sport athlete.

ALSO READ: Irked by Adoptive Father’s Actions on Losing a Game, Colin Kaepernick Reveals the Bitter Words That Changed His Life Forever

It was Tiffany who made the first move, according to Kaepernick. However, that had more to do with his introverted attitude and less with his athletic swagger. “Sorry to startle you. You’re Jeremy’s homie. Just wanted to say what’s up. I’ve seen you during basketball practice,” Tiffany broke the ice. Kaepernick could only muster up a “yeah” and “nice to see you.” However, she had left an indelible impression on him.

Ever since that day, Colin made it a mission to impress Tiffany every chance he got. Especially on the field and the court.

Colin drew motivation to perform from Tiffany

Once the conversations started, Colin Kaepernick was almost always looking forward to seeing Tiffany. “Every time I saw Tiffany, she was smiling. She seemed to make everyone feel good about themselves. Including me,” Colin wrote. “But more than that, she had confidence. She seemed so comfortable in her own skin.”

When Colin’s teammates pushed him by calling his play style similar to that of his idol, Allen Iverson, Kaepernick could only blush. However, the moment his eyes laid on Tiffany on the sidelines, Kaepernick became the Answer himself.

Unfortunately, the two couldn’t take their relationship further as Kaepernick ventured into the big leagues. Kaepernick, the activist found his true connection with fellow activist Nessa Diab, and the two have been dating since 2015. However, Tiffany surely played a part in his formative building years. And for that, Colin Kaepernick will always be grateful.

WATCH THIS STORY: Deshaun Watson and YouTuber girlfriend Jilly Anais turn heads at NBA game