You’ve seen the headlines for years. They usually lead with something like "Colin Kaepernick and his girlfriend spotted at..." or "The woman standing by Kaepernick’s side." But here’s the thing—calling Nessa Diab just a "girlfriend" is basically ancient history at this point.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how long the public held onto that label. In mid-2025, Nessa finally had enough of the "roommate" and "partner" tags. She went on the record to clarify what many in their inner circle already knew: she isn't Colin Kaepernick’s girlfriend. She’s his wife. And she’s been his wife for "years," according to her own words to TMZ Sports.
The Truth About Colin Kaepernick’s Wife
For the longest time, the world viewed Nessa Diab through the lens of Colin’s NFL exit and his subsequent activism. People assumed they were just long-term partners because they never had a massive, televised "celebrity wedding" that took over Instagram for a week.
They kept it quiet. Really quiet.
While the internet was busy debating Colin’s future in the league, the couple was busy building a private life that included a secret marriage and, eventually, a child. In 2022, they welcomed a daughter. Even then, they didn't rush to the cameras. They waited weeks before sharing a single black-and-white photo from the hospital.
It’s a rare move in the "look-at-me" era of social media.
Who is Nessa Diab anyway?
If you only know her as "the person next to Colin," you've missed a whole lot of context. Nessa is a heavyweight in her own right.
- Massive Radio Presence: She hosts Nessa on Air on New York’s legendary Hot 97. We’re talking about the #1 hip-hop show in its time slot, syndicated in over 15 markets.
- TV Veteran: You probably remember her from MTV’s Girl Code. She also hosted Talk Stoop on NBC, which actually snagged her a New York Emmy nomination.
- Global Upbringing: Her story is fascinating. Born in Southern California to Egyptian parents, she spent a huge chunk of her childhood moving between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
- Activism: This isn't just a hobby for her. She was vocal about social justice long before it was "brand-friendly."
The 2025 Correction
In July 2025, things got a bit heated. Nessa took to Instagram to call out publications that were still using the "girlfriend" tag. She wasn't just being pedantic; she was demanding respect for the life they had actually built.
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"I'm not Colin's girlfriend or roommate or whatever—I'm his wife," she told her followers. She basically told the media to do their homework. It was a moment of peak "setting the record straight."
A Relationship Built on More Than Just Romance
They started dating back in 2015. Think about that timeline for a second. That was right before Colin’s world changed. When he first took a knee in 2016, she was there. When the NFL effectively blackballed him, she was there.
But she wasn't just a silent supporter.
She was often more vocal than he was. In 2019, when rumors swirled that Jay-Z and the NFL had "consulted" Colin about a new deal, Nessa was the one who hopped on social media to call it a lie. She’s been the unofficial gatekeeper of his narrative for a decade.
Their Joint Ventures
They don't just share a home; they share a mission.
- Know Your Rights Camp: This is their massive nonprofit. It’s designed to empower Black and Brown youth through education and legal rights awareness.
- Ra Vision Media: Their production company. They focus on telling stories from creators of color.
- Children’s Literature: In 2024, they released a book called We Are Free, You & Me. It was inspired by their daughter and focuses on the principles of their activism.
Parenting in the Public Eye
Motherhood changed her. She’s been very open about being a "mama bear."
Despite their fame, they have managed to keep their daughter’s name and face largely out of the tabloid meat grinder. In a 2026 landscape where every celebrity baby has an Instagram handle before they can walk, their choice to stay private is almost revolutionary.
She’s mentioned that the recovery after delivery was a "journey," but she’s mostly kept the details for herself. It’s a recurring theme with them: they give the world their work, but they keep their souls for themselves.
Why the "Girlfriend" Label Stuck So Long
The media loves a familiar narrative. For years, the story was "The Activist QB and his Activist Girlfriend." It’s a catchy headline. It fits a certain mold.
When you don't sell your wedding photos to People or Vogue, the news cycle just assumes nothing has changed. They treated their relationship like a regular couple would—growing, evolving, and committing without needing a press release to validate it.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That Nessa "radicalized" Colin.
Critics often claimed she was the one who pushed him into activism. It’s a lazy, slightly sexist take that implies he couldn't think for himself. In reality, they are two people who were already aligned in their beliefs. They didn't change each other; they chose each other because they were already heading in the same direction.
Actionable Takeaway
If you're following this couple, stop looking for the "Colin Kaepernick girlfriend" updates. They don't exist anymore.
Instead, look at the work they’re doing with the Know Your Rights Camp. If you want to understand their dynamic, look at their joint interviews on CBS or their collaborative book projects. That’s where the real story is.
Next Steps to Stay Informed:
- Check out the Know Your Rights Camp website to see their latest youth workshops.
- Listen to "Nessa on Air" on Hot 97 to hear her take on current pop culture and social issues.
- Follow their production updates via Ra Vision Media if you're interested in diverse storytelling in film and TV.