Nessa Diab has shown unwavering support for her longtime partner, Colin Kaepernick, throughout his turbulent journey in the spotlight as an NFL star.
Back in 2016, the talented quarterback took a nonviolent approach to protest against police brutality and systemic racism by kneeling during the national anthem. This action propelled him into controversy, receiving both support from those who defended his right to protest and criticism from others who believed he was disrespecting the flag.
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Diab, on the other hand, greatly appreciated her long-term boyfriend's activist spirit. While the media first connected the Girl Code alum with Kaepernick in 2015, the couple didn't publicly acknowledge their relationship until February 2016 when they attended a charity event together, as reported by TMZ.
Their first appearance as a couple on the red carpet took place in 2017 at the TIME 100 Gala, where Kaepernick was being recognized. Five years down the line, the pair quietly celebrated the arrival of their first child.
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Scroll down to relive the highlights of Kaepernick and Diab’s relationship:
Credit: AFFI/Shutterstock
NFL Star Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab’s Relationship Timeline
Nessa Diab has remained loyal to her longtime boyfriend, Colin Kaepernick, amid his various ups and downs in the public eye as an NFL star.
In 2016, the quarterback initiated a peaceful protest against police brutality and systemic racism by kneeling during the national anthem. This action brought him into the spotlight and sparked controversy, as he was both defended for exercising his right to protest and criticized for showing disrespect towards the flag.
Despite the controversy, Diab held admiration for her boyfriend's activism. While rumors of their relationship had been circulating since 2015, it wasn't until February 2016 when they publicly confirmed their partnership by attending a charity event together, as reported by TMZ.
In 2017, the couple made their inaugural appearance on the red carpet at the TIME 100 Gala, which was a tribute to Kaepernick. Half a decade later, the duo joyfully celebrated the arrival of their first child, keeping the news under wraps.
Keep scrolling to revisit the memorable moments of Kaepernick and Diab's journey together.
Credit: Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
February 2016
Despite being initially rumored to be dating in 2015, it wasn't until February 2016 that the couple publicly acknowledged their relationship. They made their official debut as a couple at a charity event aimed at supporting children fighting heart disease.
The California-born individual, along with her partner, proceeded to engage in various philanthropic efforts, establishing the Know Your Rights Camp in October. According to the organization's website, their mission is to "promote the freedom and welfare of Black and Brown communities and uplift the future wave of transformative leaders."
Credit: David Buchan/Shutterstock
September 2016
The couple made their first public appearance on the red carpet at the TIME 100 Gala, where he was recognized and honored. The athlete took to Instagram to share a captivating boomerang featuring himself and Diab, which marked her inaugural appearance on his social media feed.
Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME
April 2017
“I feel incredibly lucky to have Colin by my side,” Diab expressed in an interview with TIME magazine following Kaepernick's recognition as one of the year's 100 most influential individuals. “He means the world to me. Our love and support for each other are unwavering, and we constantly encourage one another, reminding ourselves that we are playing our part and striving to create a positive impact.”
Credit: Larry Marano/Shutterstock
November 2017
Diab expressed her admiration for Kaepernick in GQ magazine as she honored him after being named Citizen of the Year. In November 2017, she wrote, "Colin has consistently assisted and engaged with people because he embodies empathy."
"Empathy played a significant role in his adoption story. His parents chose to adopt him after losing two of their own children to heart defects. This compassion also drove him to facilitate necessary medical care for numerous young children with heart defects, a cause he has been dedicated to for many years."
Credit: Scott Roth/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
February 2018
Kaepernick gushed over his girlfriend when she helped him out with his pledge to donate $1 million to charities that served underprivileged communities.
“
Words fail to convey the depth of my appreciation for all that you have done for me,” he conveyed in a heartfelt video message posted on Instagram in February 2018. “I eagerly anticipate the remarkable milestones we will achieve together in the days to come! You are my beloved Queen, and I hold you dear!”
Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
May 2019
Making their debut at the Met Gala, the duo showcased their ensembles on Instagram. Captioning the photo, Kaepernick highlighted their tribute to their ancestors through their Ghana and Egypt-inspired outfits. Diab exuded elegance in a striking one-shoulder satin gold gown, while Kaepernick sported a sophisticated long black tuxedo jacket with gold piping, complemented by an array of gold rings.
Credit: Courtesy of Nessa Diab/Twitter
April 2020
In April 2020, Diab took to Twitter to criticize former president Donald Trump and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after it was revealed that the president's campaign was allocating $10 million for a Super Bowl advertisement.
A few months down the line, when news emerged, albeit false, that the football player was going to join the New York Jets, his girlfriend urged him to follow through. "Any team that truly aspires to win should secure Colin's signature," she tweeted back then.
Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
October 2021
Though the couple mostly stayed out of the spotlight in 2021, they attended the premiere of his limited Netflix series, Colin in Black & White, that year.
Credit: Courtesy of Nessa Diab/Instagram
August 2022
Diab recently shared the exciting news that she and Kaepernick have become proud parents. "After much consideration, I have decided to share this life-changing news today. It is the first time in a while that I have returned to work with my new title - MOM!" the television host wrote as a caption for an Instagram photo showing her and her partner cradling their newborn.
In her post, Diab expressed her joy, saying, "A few weeks ago, Colin and I welcomed our precious baby into the world, and we couldn't be happier as our family grows. The recovery process after giving birth has been a journey (more details on that coming soon), and initially, I was hesitant about sharing such a personal experience. However, I have come to realize that I am fiercely protective as a mother. Colin has been an incredible father, and I am immensely grateful that he has been with us every step of the way."
Credit: Kevin Winter/WireImage/Getty Images
October 2022
When Diab took to Instagram to update her fans on her journey through motherhood, she excitedly announced, "Our baby is Colin's TWWWWWIIINNN." A month later, she couldn't help but express her admiration for her partner, praising him as "THE GREATEST FATHER TO OUR BABY" in a heartfelt birthday post.