Somehow, it doesn't seem fitting that a speedy, dual-threat quarterback like Colin Kaepernick would keep a tortoise for a pet.
But when you see photos like these, it's hard to deny that the duo looks natural together.
Kaepernick, the second-year quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers who has taken over for Alex Smith, has been one of the biggest surprises of the NFL season. He's led the 49ers to impressive wins over the Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints, and has even beaten out Smith for the starting job the past two weeks.
Mostly unknown before he took over for Smith, Kaepernick has been the subject of much scrutiny over the past few weeks. While some of it has been negative and unnecessary, we've also learned about Kaepernick's lighter side. Like the fact that he owns a 100-pound tortoise named Sammy.
As the San Francisco Chronicle reported last year, when Kaepernick purchased the tortoise, he could hold it in the palm of his hand. Now, it is humongous and "eats the backyard."
Kaepernick's tortoise is one of the coolest, if not the best, pet owned by a professional athlete. The top honor undoubtedly goes to New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, who owns a camel.
(H/T to Larry Brown Sports)
