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 began peacefully protesting police brutality and systemic racism by kneeling during the national anthem. He subsequently became a controversial figure, with some defending the former San Francisco 49ers player for his right to protest while others criticized him for disrespecting the flag.

Diab, however, admired the activist nature of her now-longtime boyfriend. Although the Girl Code alum was first linked to Kaepernick in 2015, they didn’t officially confirm their relationship until February 2016 when they attended a charity function together, according to TMZ.

In 2017, the couple made their first red carpet outing at the TIME 100 Gala, where Kaepernick was honored. Five years later, the pair secretly welcomed their first child together.

Scroll down to relive the highlights of Kaepernick and Diab’s relationship: