SANTA CLARA – This is the transcript of Colin Kaepernick’s Thursday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.
Hey Colin, what is it like to wake up as Colin Kaepernick these days, pinched yourself yet?
“It’s the same as it was six months ago.”
Did you expect when you took over the starting job that you’d be standing here, still playing in February?
“I was hoping so.”
How have you been able to handle all of this? Just seems the stages get bigger and bigger and is there something or someone, whatever it is, that’s helped you get through all the pressure that’s been on you the last six, seven, eight weeks?
“I just try to keep my head down, keep working and not worry about anything else.”
Do you remember growing up watching a specific Super Bowl and kind of that moment where you’re like, I want to be there someday? And if so, which game was it?
“I can’t say an exact Super Bowl. I just remember watching a lot of them growing up.”
With the 49ers legacy here with QB Joe Montana and QB Steve Young, have you had a chance to meet those guys or appreciate what they’ve done here?
“Yeah, I’ve met both of them, talked with both of them briefly. They did great things here.”
Steve came down and interviewed you yesterday, right?
“Yes.”
Did he give you any pointers on how to handle the coming 10 days?
“Just keep going.”
I have to ask you a question about your tattoos, which one is your favorite and why?
“Probably the one on the inside of my arms, it says ‘my gift is my curse.’ I just feel like that’s something that applies to my life in many different ways.”
How?
“Being an NFL quarterback, there’s a lot of advantages that come with it. There are a lot of doors that open when you’re a quarterback, but at the same time you’re under a lot of scrutiny. There are a lot of things you can’t do as well.”
Speaking of which, I know your tattoo guy in Reno, his business has kind of elevated since your star has kind of risen. Can you just talk about your relationship with him and how did you find him and how did you kind of learn how to trust a guy like that, that needs to do all that work on your body?
“I met him through a friend in college. I had him do one piece, I really liked it and I have been going to him ever since.”
When did you get the gift is your curse one?
“In college.”
A lot of words out of Turlock these days about you and nothing but good things being said. How important is it to you that people at home still think so positively about you?
“That means a lot. That’s where I’m from, that’s where my roots are. The fact that people that I grew up with are still saying good things about me is a good sign.”
Head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman talk a lot about your confidence. Where does that come from?
“Just being prepared.”
Do you see yourself ‘Kaepernicking’ a lot on Super Bowl Sunday?
“I don’t know. I hope so.”
Is that the tattoo that you’re kissing when you’re doing that? The one you were talking about before? Or which one are you?
“I have ‘faith’ down my right bicep and I have ‘to God the glory’ on my right arm as well.”
And so when you’re doing that, that’s the one you’re?
“Yeah.”
What does that mean to you in terms of just your faith and what you’ve come through, as far as hitting that tattoo?
“Number one is kind of my way of saying, I don’t really care what people think about my tattoos. I got them for me and to show people this is what I believe in. God has brought me this far, he’s laid out a phenomenal path for me and I can’t do anything but thank him.”
How different has it been playing in the playoffs than in the regular season starts, the intensity, all of that sort of stuff? How have you been able to handle it so well?
“You just have to prepare, that’s the biggest thing. If you’re prepared going into a game, you’ll be confident when you go out there.”
How are expectations now, playing on this stage, going to be different than any other game you’ve played before?
“I wouldn’t say I have an expectation for it. I’m just going to keep working and see what happens.”
I don’t know if you saw but QB Alex Smith had some really nice things to say about you. He’s obviously a part of your fan club. How important has it been, in what could be a sticky situation, to have him be handling it the way he’s handled it?
“It means a lot. I think it really shows his character and the kind of man he is. He’s helped me through everything, from Week One till now.”
Whose idea was it to do the trademarking of Kaepernicking?
“That was mine.”
Has the NFL come down on you for that?
“I don’t know.”
Given the fact that you weren’t heavily recruited in college and your fast start here, does that give you extra fuel, extra motivation?
“I don’t know. I’m just working, trying to make sure I’m ready for the next game.”
Can I ask you a question about the Baltimore Ravens? Just your initial thoughts on the matchup and what you’ve seen from them on tape?
“Very physical defense, they’re a veteran defense. They know what they’re doing. When there are holes in the defense, they know where the holes are, so they’re going to try to cover them up the best way they can.”
What are your thoughts on playing against Ravens LB Ray Lewis?
“He’s a phenomenal player. He’s been doing it for I think more years than anybody in the league right now. You can’t say enough about the guy.”
Do you think he still strikes intimidation at this point where he is in his career, even within you?
“I’m not one to try to get intimidated. I’m just going out to play. Ray Lewis has kind of been the icon of what a linebacker is supposed to be and how the intensity of the game is supposed to be.”
How many ticket requests have you gotten?
“A lot.”
Can you fulfill them all?
“No.”
Do you remember what you were doing last Super Bowl Sunday?
“Watching the game. I don’t remember where I was at.”
How much do you expect to run the ball this week? You kind of had two different games the last two weeks for running. How much do you expect to be used that way?
“I don’t know, it depends on what the coaches call.”
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Classic CK7 interview
I love it. If only though he could answer everything with a “Yes” or “No”. Even if it did not make sense.
Yeah, the answers are always shorter than the questions. The reporters have to be asking themselves “why is he so fascinating and so boring at the same time?”
At least I look directly at the camera while CK was looking at his shoes. Can somebody teach CK about eye contact?
The turn my dog left on my carpet this morning contributes more to this blog then you and your comments do.
You can see the Harbaugh training.
At least Jon Gruden was more direct then these reporters are. To not ask CK why he stole Alex Smith’s job is an insult.
Thank God you’re not a reporter. There are already enough of them asking stupid questions like that.
Really? Least Dennis O Donnell did his job until Singletary kicked him out of 49ers HQ.
This read like a Jim Harbaugh interview.
Guy is something else. Tough as nails and loves his Maker. That’s a deadly combination. Colin the Assassin…
very interesting that he mentioned the “scrutiny” as well as the doors opening – he’s played like a guy who’s immune to the pressure, and I hope that continues.
the more i think about it, the more that comeback vs the Falcons was truly Joe-worthy. Down 17 points in the biggest game of your career? Boom. No problem. Tell me if I’m wrong, but right now he seems like the most exciting thing to happen to the Niners in about 20-30 years.
Since Prime wont do it and keep the good ju ju going I guess I will.
This is the the game that should show if CK was the right move. He’s got to win this game to show us that the switch was the right move. After this game we all should be convinced.
:-)
I said two days ago he arrived. Winning the SB makes him elite.
Who cares what Prime thinks, he is one of the most critical along with his old brother DS on the move and blasting JH. He can say what ever he wants, don’t care, just want Lombardi # 6.
Still prime…. It’s been working. Just trying to keep the good ju ju going. All good my dude. Wheeeew!
Millions of people care Neal cause its about football. With you it’s a soap opera cause you don’t know better. Remember when you first came on here? What did you tell everyone was your purpose for being on here?
I think I know Prime. To be the biggest douche and pollute the blog with non-sense and post immature comments? Am I right?
I also think he said he was here to start fights or something like that and he did not care about anyhting else?
Exactly FDM. The kid is a rash!
Prime,
Kap winning a Super Bowl this year wont make him elite. The kid has played 11 games. Hes not won 11 super bowls. Consistently playing well and putting his team in a position to win. Getting his team plenty of regular season wins. Beating teams he is supposed to beat. Continuing to outplay the better QBs in the league when he faces them head to head. Thatwill make Kap elite. 1 super bowl wwon’t make him elite. It didnt make dilfer elite. I need Kap to keep up his level of play for years to come.
Guys this is all about good vibes and ju ju. Nothing more. Lets all unite and root out arses off for the first Super Bowl since 94….. Lets GO!!!!
Winning a Superbowl and in the fashion he has demonstrated will put him in the elite category. He has been the difference in the games he has played in and especially in the playoff games to date.
Winning superbowls is not the definition of elite but how you win them and how the QB plays within those high pressure games does. Kap has been a game changer and if he wins next Sunday with the way he is capable of playing, he will be elite.
Prime,
I know exactly what I said but the funny thing is, you have tried to become that person in getting under bloggers skin, very unsuccessfully I must add, you are the blog buffoon since your older sister/brother DS had left. You have made fun of people who have had cancer, made fun of boys and they told they play like girls, and also have said that you have banged my Mother several times. You have also bashed CK and JH, not much of a fan, you just like your man crush AS, you are flawed and limited. I don’t know if you are just delusional or slow, you may want to get that checked out.
Sorry Neal, Prime Time has been able to discuss football. You on the otherhand do nothing but make reference to things people have said months and months ago to somehow validate your insults. Thats all you do so when you say baffoon, look no further than yourself.
FDM, Neal is a joke! Everyone knows that, even him. He is just in defensive mode. Hence the name calling and past references.
FDM, wants to have physical fights with people who he disagrees with, my guess is that BIG P would knock your tiny brains out and then you have Prime Cancer mocker Time who begs and begs Grant to put him back on the blog, both of you buffoons are a few fries short of a happy meal.
You guys should cut it out and be happy that we are going to win the SB !
Neal,Prime, etc, etc, etc, cut it out and be happy that when we win the SB ,Kap will have made it possible for Alex to hoist up the Lombardi Trophy over his head in celebration for probably the only time in his career.
Be happy for the team and be happy for Alex !
Ecstatic,with a tinge of sour grapes.
OK,I am happy for you that you are so happy !
Sorry if you took what I was saying about the Smith only crowd to be for you.
As I said,you have always been one of the reasonable ones. Hopefully that won’t change now that everything is going so well ?
TIM, you posted this in the wrong area. Why do you feel it is necessary to slam AS when he is on his way out after being a classy player and teammate? You need to understand, I don’t take anything personal here. If you want to debate, talk football and back it with facts. Otherwise, go to one of the other blogs with your DRAMA!
Yeah,I fixed that,sorry.
***Alex has always showed nothing but toughness and class for the 8 years he was on the roster ! He has always been a great team mate and has played the best he can ion every game he was in. You couldn’t ask any more from him.He gave all he had and was treated poorly by Nolan and Sing but kept coming back for more. TOUGH and nothing but CLASS !
There,how is that for telling it like it is ,without any backhanded remarks about Alex ?
I would enjoy conversations about football with you,because as I said,you are one of the reasonable fans on this site,even if imho you have gone overboard in support of Alex a few times. But I understand the feeling of the need to counter those who rip Alex,so ,no harm no foul !
Uh oh! It look like we have a new blog poll to do.
Biggest buffoon on the blog! I know who I would vote for.
Half of that poll list have left the blog because they are waiting to see which team their only love goes to next season so they can know which team to cheer for next year.
lol
TIM, long time no see! Did the other blogs boot you or just looking to discuss nonsense?
Hof:
Be nice,we should all be in a good mood right now,not trying to be rude to fellow fans.
I know that is probably too much to ask for with THIS particular blog but it would be nice,since MOST of us are real 49ers fans .
And even the ones who were always just Alex fans and who only wanted Alex to remain with us forever,no matter that we needed an upgrade at the position,should be happy because unless I am mistaken even Alex will get to hoist up that Lombardi a week from Sunday.
Everyone wins ! So be happy and TRY to make this site’s comments more readable and less contentious. You are usually one of the more reasonable posters around here,so please,no sour grapes NOW.
I’m,
Hofer is still struggling with the change. He’ll be better after we win the Super Bowl. Excuse him, it’s been tough on him.
TIM, I’m ecstatic! The 9ers are in the SB and they will win # 6. It’s unfortunate you have to post nonsense instead of focusing on the positive. It’s typical for you and I’m shocked you returned just to post the same crap. If you post something current I’m fine, but stop the backhanded nonsense.
Ecstatic,with a tinge of sour grapes.
***OK,I am happy for you that you are so happy !
Sorry if you took what I was saying about the Smith only crowd to be meant for you.
As I said,you have always been one of the reasonable ones. Hopefully that won’t change now that everything is going so well ?
TIM, why do you feel it is necessary to slam AS when he is on his way out after being a classy player and teammate? You need to understand, I don’t take anything personal here. If you want to debate, talk football and back it with facts. Otherwise, go to one of the other blogs with your DRAMA!
Alex has always showed nothing but toughness and class for the 8 years he was on the roster ! He has always been a great team mate and has played the best he can ion every game he was in. You couldn’t ask any more from him.He gave all he had and was treated poorly by Nolan and Sing but kept coming back for more. TOUGH and nothing but CLASS !
There,how is that for telling it like it is ,without any backhanded remarks about Alex ?
I would enjoy conversations about football with you,because as I said,you are one of the reasonable fans on this site,even if imho you have gone overboard in support of Alex a few times. But I understand the feeling of the need to counter those who rip Alex,so ,no harm no foul !
NinerMD: LOL !!!
And Jordan,if you just take the time from when Kap first started for us,he is THE best QB in the entire NFL (Top QBR,just ahead of Peyton Manning,for the regular season). The team is where his ELITE talent has brought them,the SB BABY !
Of course he needs to keep it up in the future to CONTINUE to be elite. Let’s hope he continues it in the immediate future on SB Sunday !
Tim,
You don’t have to tell me. I’m trumpeting his success. I don’t want to label him elite. I want him to continue to amaze everyone with his skills. I want him to develop into the best. I don’t want the title of elite to be given to him just yet. I want the next 4 Super Bowls!
Oh to be drafted to a top team. CK has all of the tools and more especially his wheels but it helps having a top HC and defense. Good times for 10+ years…
We were close to being a top team several years ago when we only missed the playoffs by a game 2 out of 3 seasons. We just needed a top HC and a top QB,now we have ONE of each.
Did you guys see this article by CBS Sport’s Pete Prisco? This guy is making excuse after excuse as to why the Falcons lost. To top that off, he writes about the Ravens in glowing terms (toward the end of the article):
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/21609973/after-further-review-ryan-falcons-had-chances-to-put-away-49ers
Who cares Nick! Dont even pay attention to their bs! Let all these experts to say what they want just like the past few months! All this team has to do is win one more and the rest will be history! GO NINERS, please bring the niner nation the sixth trophy!!!
Chicago
I actually don’t mind this stuff. The team can use it for motivation and kick some a$$ next Sunday.
Prisco is one of the worst commentators on the internet. Always writes articles that don’t back up what he predicts and is one of the worst game forcasters as a result. He has picked against the Niners in every round and lost. It’s nothing more than him trying to deflect attention away from the fact he’s been wrong more than he’s been right.
Dee Phaint, This post is a reply for your comment you made about CK! I Completely disagree with your opinion about CK being arrogant or stuck-up! You might rightfully be an Alex Smith fan or a significant other of his but let’s have a logical conversation based on facts! In addition to Colin’s freakish athletic abilities he is extremely intelligent, mature, humble and a fierce competitor. Keep in mind Colin is only 25 and this was his first year playing NFL football! Since the time he was drafted so many fans or experts questioned his ability and even suggested to trade him just after one year! He was labeled a running QB, his accuracy and throwing mechanics has been criticized! And even coach Jim H was criticized for making the QB change in the middle of the season (I personally was surprise by the move)!
Despite all the pressure and negative energy, Colin kept his focus to work hard and be the best he could be. In just 9 games Colin has gain the confidence of his teammates, coaches and a lot of fans (including myself) to lead our beloved team to the super bowl.
Based on my observation so far Colin has never taken credit for his success and always gives credit to his peers and coaches. Again his maturity and humbleness at the age of 25 is extremely impressive. You find his short answers as being arrogant and I find his responses absolutely brilliant since all he cares about is focusing on the task on hand rather than helping the media to right juicy articles! Talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words.
GO NINERS and CK
How can you disagree with that.
+1
Chicago,
I think it was cocky and arrogant the way he spiked the ball in the Packers game. The same for the way he was flexing his muscles after the TD in a upyours kind of gesture. Had he done this at the end of the game I can see his point, but in the middle of a game it is taunting IMHO. I don’t find that it was very humble.
“It means a lot. I think it really shows his character and the kind of man he is. He’s helped me through everything, from Week One till now.” This does not sound very grateful to me. It sounds rehearsed and starchy. No, he doesn’t have to give the media juicy stories, but neither does AS give them juicy stories, just honest answers. But you’re right, he’s only 25 and he’ll learn the part to be gracious, maybe, someday.
NOW GO GET THAT TROPHY!
Dee Phiant is the moron formerly known as DS94evxev, aka Darren35. It never left. It hates CK and Harbaugh, but loves Alex.
It is the only thing in the worls that looks at the Packers game and doesn’t see one of the top QB performances in the history of the game, doesn’t recognize that getting up quick after taking a vicious hit is a sign of strength, not arrogance.
Be gone with you, moron.
Brother Nothing,
Calling people names is only a reflection of what YOU are. It shows that you have nothing to say, nothing to offer and are nothing more than well
NOTHING
“I think they threw everything they had at us in the first half, dog!”
- CK
1/19/13
Dee Phiant = BS formerly known as DS.
This seems likea good spot to share this:
https://twitter.com/NFL_Memes/status/294636841653657600/photo/1/large
Clem – Ha…….Romo and Alex have same important numbers. I’d actually rather have Alex than the “Playboy” Romo!
Webster Dictionary for Sissy: See Tony Romo.
How about this Tweet?
http://twitter.com/WeAintDone/status/294662061672239105/photo/1
now, now, Nick
That pic just might send the wrong message …
(to the Smithers … and that disturbed soul on the Bee-Blog)
Not only that… but ..
I’m currently wiping spewed coffee from my keyboard !
Thanks for the laughs! No sense of personal embarasment, eh? Geezus, I’m glad I’m not you! LOL
Your comment validates your self esteem issues.
That’s all you got? That was such a pathetic attempt to rile people, all their going to do is laugh!
Are you Gavin Newsome?
What happened to my friend’s message? He was right on. I guess some forums’ posters got nothing better to do.
The interview was not good and neither will the game. Is there anything else to watch that day?
LOL…You sound like a guy who’d enjoy a few good episodes of “Desperate Housewives” anyway. I’m sure there’s a few reruns on…
Leave the the football watching to the rest of us real fans.
when the Ravens win, it will save the NFL from ruination.
Go back to your grocery store
Why don’t you shop at a grocery store instead of Walmart? that’s why unions are at a prehistoric low. Fans like you shop at Target and Walmart.
I guess the longest QB run in 49ers history belonged to Hall of Famer Steve Young (49 yards),before this year. Kap has run for OVER 50 yards 3 times already !!!
If he keeps it up running and passing the way he is,will there be any records left for anyone else ? And wait until he actually gets some experience and gets NEAR his potential ,in a couple years!