Jaden Michael on Playing a Young Colin Kaepernick

Vest, Shirt, Turtleneck, Pants, and Shoes by Valentino. Bracelet (worn throughout) by Tiffany & Co.

The search to find a young Colin Kaepernick on the Netflix limited series Colin in Black & White ended when Jaden Michael was chosen by series co-creator Ava DuVernay and none other than the former NFL quarterback himself. The task? To show the world the decisive experiences that shaped a gifted, mixed-race high school athlete into an NFL superstar and, eventually, a generational activist. But first things first: how to throw a football. 

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“They asked me if I wanted a double to do all the sports scenes for me. I was like, ‘Absolutely not.’”

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“I didn’t know anything about sports. I only knew about Colin because of what he stood for.”

Jacket, Shirt, Jeans, and Belt by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello. Tank Top by Calvin Klein.

“I basically learned 17 years’ worth of three different sports in three months. It was an eye-opener.”

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“The second time I met Colin he told me, ‘Don’t forget about me when you get big.’ I didn’t really understand that.” 

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“Part of the auditioning process was having a conversation with Colin. I had to get his stamp of approval.”

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“We had a Zoom meeting and just talked and talked and talked — about music, movies, and pop culture from the 2000s.”

Suit, Tank Top, and Boots by Alexander McQueen.

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“We talked about facing different kinds of challenges as a teenager, specifically as a Black teenager.”

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“There are challenges that come with being a lead. You have to keep everyone upbeat and decide the energy and the pace and the tone on set.”

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Grooming: D’Angelo Thompson  using Kevyn Aucoin Beauty and Makeup by Mario

Fashion Assistant: Talia Restrepo and Shaoul Avital