Before he was a world-renowned athlete and activist, Colin Kaepernick was a promising young baseball player. Though everyone from his coaches to the MLB thought he should be the next great pitcher, his sights were set on football. No one knew then it was the game that would make him famous, and the young Kaepernick had to call on his growing fortitude and sense of self to make the decision.
His new memoir, Change the Game, cowritten by Eve L. Ewing and brought to life in audio by Varian Johnson and a full cast of talented voices, revisits this pivotal moment in a coming-of-age story for teens and young adults. We asked the star quarterback about translating the memoir from graphic novel to audio, and why bringing his own voice to the project was so important.
Audible: Let’s say a fan comes up to you and asks what Change the Game is all about. In your own words, how would you answer them?
Colin Kaepernick: Change the Game is about a young Black man chasing his dream of being a professional athlete, all while trying to maintain his identity, find love, and navigate life-changing decisions.
Change the Game began as a graphic novel. What was it like translating it to audio?
It was an incredible experience translating this project into audio. Audio helps to bring the voices and characters to life in a particularly unique way. Listeners will get a wholly different and immersive experience.
You worked with a full cast to narrate this listen. What was it like lending your voice as the narrator? Did anything about the experience surprise you?
I loved the process of being able to narrate Change the Game. I had the opportunity to bring emotion, depth, and range to a story, hopefully in a way that resonates with listeners.
“Strength of character isn't something we are born with; instead, it is something we develop on a daily basis.”
You’ve inspired so many to stand up for themselves and others. Where does your strength of character come from?
My strength of character comes from lived experiences, training, empathy, and daily practice. Strength of character isn't something we are born with; instead, it is something we develop on a daily basis.
What’s next for you in your career and personal life?
My goal is to be great at whatever I do, whether that’s fatherhood, fighting for the people, being an orator, actor, entrepreneur, as a person, or back on the football field. When I'm done in this life I want to be remembered as being great at what I did.
