Kaepernick named finalist for NFL Players Association ‘Community MVP’ award

NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been named a finalist for an award honoring players for their community service work.

Kaepernick and four other players were announced as finalists for the NFL Players Association’s (NFLPA) Byron “Whizzer” White Community MVP award, according to NBC Sports.

The free agent quarterback pledged $1 million to various charitable organizations during the 2016 season. He won the NFLPA’s “Community MVP” award during Week 1 of the 2017 season after donating $100,000 to four charities and holding a back-to-school backpack giveaway in New York City.

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Kaepernick joins Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long and Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt as finalists for the award.

The winner will chose a charity to receive a $100,000 donation. The Community MVP program has recognized a player each week throughout the season. Each week, the NFLPA has donated $10,000 to that player’s foundation or charity of choice.

Kaepernick has received several awards recognizing him for his service. In November, he was named the recipient of Sports Illustrated’s Muhammad Ali Legacy Award for his “steadfastness in the fight for social justice” and “his adherence to his beliefs no matter the cost.” He was also named GQ Magazine’s “Citizen of the Year” for 2017.

In 2016, Kaepernick became the first NFL player to take a knee during the national anthem in protest of police brutality and racial injustice.

President Trump has attacked Kaepernick for kneeling, suggesting that he was still a free agent because he didn’t stand.

Trump’s comments in September, in which he attacked NFL players for kneeling and referred to those who do as a “son of a bitch,” led to widespread protests throughout the NFL, with dozens of players kneeling as the anthem played.

Kaepernick, a former San Fransisco 49ers quarterback, filed a grievance against NFL owners last year accusing them of colluding to keep him out of the league in retaliation for his outspoken views on social justice.