Colin Kaepernick led the San Francisco 49ers to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1994 after being named their starting quarterback midway through his second NFL season.

Kaepernick typically gave brief responses to questions from the media during that run, perhaps borrowing from the style of Jim Harbaugh.

“I want to try to break that perfect football mold," said Kaepernick in an extended interview. "I don’t want to be someone who can be put into a category. I want to be my own person. I want my own style. I want to be someone who can’t really be compared to anybody.

“And I want to have a positive influence as much as I can. I’ve had people write to me because of my tattoos. I’ve had people to write me because of adoption. I’ve had people write to me because they’re biracial. I’ve had people write to me because their kids have heart defects—my mom had two boys who died of heart defects, which ultimately brought about my adoption. So, to me, the more people you can touch, the more people you can influence in a positive way or inspire, the better.”