NFL free agent Colin Kaepernick is this year’s recipient of the Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.
According to Sports Illustrated, Kaepernick is receiving the honor due to his “steadfastness in the fight for social justice, for his adherence to his beliefs no matter the cost.”
The award is given each year to someone who “embodies the ideals of sportsmanship, leadership and philanthropy and has used sports as a platform for changing the world,” the magazine said.
{mosads}“I am proud to be able to present this to Colin for his passionate defense of social justice and civil rights for all people,” Lonnie Ali, Muhammad’s widow, said in a statement provided to the magazine.
“Like Muhammad, Colin is a man who stands on his convictions with confidence and courage, undaunted by the personal sacrifices he has had to make to have his message heard. And he has used his celebrity and philanthropy to the benefit of some of our most vulnerable community members.”
Kaepernick in 2016 became the first NFL player to take a knee during the national anthem before games. He said he was protesting police brutality and racial injustice.
Earlier this year, the issue was thrust back into the spotlight after President Trump attacked NFL players who kneel during the anthem. Following the president’s comments, multiple players began taking a knee when the anthem played ahead of their games and several coaches spoke out against Trump’s remarks.
Trump then called for the NFL to implement a rule requiring that players stand during the anthem, saying their actions were disrespectful to the flag and the country’s soldiers.
Last month, Kaepernick signed a book deal, reportedly worth just more than $1 million.
Kaepernick also recently filed a grievance against NFL owners, accusing them of colluding to keep him out of the league in retaliation for his outspoken views on social justice.
Previous people who have been given the award include Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.