Five Things You Didn’t Know about Colin Kaepernick

3rd Annual NFL Honors

Colin Kaepernick has come a long way in the few short years of his NFL career. The number 36 pick in the 2011 NFL draft has taken the NFL by storm and for good reason. After starting his career as the San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback in 2011, Kaepernick got his chance in 2012. He replaced an injured Alex Smith more than halfway through the season and never looked back. He lead the 49ers to the playoffs for two straight years and set a record for most rushing yards in a playoff game (181). The 49ers would make the Super Bowl in 2013 and lose to the Baltimore Ravens with Kaepernick at the helm.

The 26-year old’s rise to stardom has earned him some money as well. This past offseason he was rewarded with a six-year contract extension worth an estimated $126 million. The contract includes an possibility for $54 million in guaranteed money. Seeing his contract is just about to kick in Kaep’s net worth is still only about $15 million. The 49ers QB is also racking up the endorsements including Jaguar, MusclePharm and MoGo Sports. There seems to be plenty more on the horizon.

Those are the basics about the star quarterback out of the University of Nevada. Here’s what you may not know….

Predicting the Future

Hate him or love him, you have to appreciate this story. When young Colin was in the 4th grade he wrote a motivational letter to himself. Kaepernick’s letter talks about going pro and playing for the Niners or the Packers. It seems as if the young athlete knew he was destined for greatness. He also takes inventory of who his friends are at the time!

Chicago Cubs’ Pitcher

Colin Kaepernick was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 43rd round of the 2009 MLB Draft. He clearly made the right decision as he chose to pursue football and abandoned his baseball career. Kaep was a standout pitcher in high school throwing two no-hitters and topping out at 92 mph on the radar gun.

Disney Movies

Don’t be confused by the rough exterior and tattoos because Kaepernick is truly a kid at heart. He has an awfully large DVD collection that includes over 250 movies. His favorites are his Disney movies The Incredibles and Finding Nemo. He also loves Despicable Me and How to Train Your Dragon.

Adopted

Colin Kaepernick was born to Heidi Russo, a 19-year old single mother who was struggling to make ends meat. His father was out of the picture before he was even born. Colin was put up for adoption and adopted by white parents Rick and Teresa Kaepernick, who had two children already. Kaepernick was a stud athlete growing up. He excelled in all sports including basketball, baseball and football.

Pet Tortoise

Perhaps the most far-out fact about Kaep is that he owns a 115-lb tortoise that he got when he was 10-years old. A rather interesting gift at the age of 10, but the tortoise has stuck with his owner for the past 16 years. Good thing he’s making money, a 115-lb tortoise isn’t something you keep in your guest room.

Image via Getty Images

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