Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab: A Secret Marriage Revealed

August 6, 2025

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and radio personality Nessa Diab have been married for “years,” according to a recent revelation by Diab, who clarified her status as Kaepernick’s wife in a passionate response to media mislabeling. The couple, known for their activism and private personal lives, surprised fans with the news, which emerged during a TMZ Sports interview in New York City on August 4, 2025. This article delves into their relationship, the marriage announcement, and their shared journey as activists and parents.

The Marriage Revelation

Nessa Diab, a prominent radio and TV host, set the record straight after media outlets repeatedly referred to her as Kaepernick’s “girlfriend,” “partner,” or “mother of his child.” In an Instagram Story on July 17, 2025, Diab expressed frustration, stating, “Do some research, adjust it. I’m not Colin’s girlfriend, or roommate or whatever. I’m his wife. I know research and getting information is a rare thing nowadays, but let’s restore some integrity.” She reiterated this to TMZ Sports, confirming that she and Kaepernick married “years ago,” though she did not disclose a specific date or details about the wedding, noting the absence of public photos. The announcement sparked surprise, as the couple had kept their marriage under wraps, with no prior public confirmation.

The revelation came amid Diab’s public support for Nicki Minaj in her feud with Jay-Z and Roc Nation, where she alleged that Roc Nation ran a smear campaign against Kaepernick, similar to Minaj’s claims. Diab’s comments about her marital status were part of a broader call for accuracy in media reporting, reflecting her outspoken nature.

Relationship Timeline

Colin Kaepernick, 37, and Nessa Diab, 44, have been together since 2015, going public with their relationship in February 2016 at a charity event for kids battling heart disease. Their bond has been rooted in shared activism, particularly around racial justice and police brutality, with Diab standing firmly by Kaepernick during his 2016 NFL protests, where he knelt during the national anthem to highlight systemic racism.

Key milestones in their relationship include:

• 2015: Rumors of their romance surfaced, with some reports suggesting tension due to Diab’s prior relationship with Kaepernick’s former San Francisco 49ers teammate Aldon Smith.
• 2016: They founded the Know Your Rights Camp, a nonprofit empowering Black and Brown youth through education and self-empowerment.
• 2017: Diab defended Kaepernick against criticism, including a controversial tweet comparing Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti to a slave owner, which reportedly impacted Kaepernick’s chance to sign with the Ravens.
• 2022: The couple welcomed their first daughter’s birth, announced by Diab on Instagram on August 28, 2022, where she signed off as “Love, The Kaepernicks,” hinting at a possible marriage. She described Kaepernick as “the most amazing dad.”
• 2024: They co-authored a children’s book, We Are Free, You & Me, inspired by their daughter and the principles of Know Your Rights Camp, published in October 2024.
• 2025: The couple made a high-profile appearance at the Met Gala on May 6, 2025, styled by Edward Enninful in Moncler x EE72 outfits, celebrating Black heritage. Diab called it a “glamorous date night” as parents.

Activism and Professional Ventures

Diab, born to Egyptian parents and raised in Southern California and Saudi Arabia, graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in mass communications. She hosts Nessa on Air on New York’s Hot 97, has over 500,000 Instagram followers, and previously hosted NBC’s Talk Stoop in 2018. Her activism includes mentoring underprivileged youth, hosting an annual prom pamper party for New York City high school girls, and creating a scholarship program in 2018. She and Kaepernick also co-founded Ra Vision Media to amplify Black and Brown creators.

Kaepernick, who last played in the NFL in 2016, became a global figure for kneeling during the national anthem, sparking debates on free speech and racial justice. Despite being a free agent since 2017, he continues training for an NFL comeback and has explored opportunities like flag football for the 2028 LA Olympics. His activism, supported by Diab, includes a $100,000 donation to Know Your Rights Camp’s COVID-19 relief fund in 2020.

Public Reaction and Controversies

The marriage revelation prompted mixed reactions. Supporters like TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh celebrated the couple, while some X users questioned the lack of a visible wedding ring or public records, speculating about a “common law” marriage. Others criticized Diab’s outspokenness, with one user (@brownandbella) sarcastically questioning Kaepernick’s desire to return to the NFL after likening it to a “plantation.”

Diab’s vocal support for Kaepernick has occasionally stirred controversy. In 2019, she disputed claims that Jay-Z and the NFL consulted Kaepernick on their Roc Nation partnership, and in 2020, she criticized NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for not addressing Kaepernick’s exclusion despite supporting player protests. Her July 2025 comments alleging Roc Nation’s $25 million deal suppressed Kaepernick’s protests further fueled debate.

Conclusion

Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab’s marriage, kept secret for years, underscores their private yet powerful partnership. As parents, activists, and collaborators, they continue to champion social justice while navigating public scrutiny. Diab’s correction of her marital status reflects her commitment to authenticity, much like their joint efforts through Know Your Rights Camp and their children’s book. As they step out at events like the 2025 Met Gala, their love story remains a testament to resilience and shared purpose, even if the details of their wedding remain a cherished mystery.

Sources: TMZ, Men’s Journal, Us Weekly, Vogue, Sportskeeda, EssentiallySports, People, The Spun, Posts on X