Colin Kaepernick Wins Sports Illustrated ‘Muhammad Ali Legacy Award’

Weeks after GQ named him Citizen of the Year, Colin Kaepernick continues to win all the awards! 

Sports Illustrated has given the former NFL quarterback the coveted honor of the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.

The publication said that “no winner has been more fitting than Kaepernick,” considering the fact that Kap has risked his career and his salary in order to stand up for what he believes from social injustice, racism, criminal justice and police reform.

Peep this picture for GQ where he recreated an iconic Ali photo:

Here's the original:

Sports Illustrated’s Michael Rosenberg wrote, “In the last 16 months, Kaepernick’s truth has been twisted, distorted and used for political gain. It has cost him at least a year of his NFL career and the income that should have come with it. But still, it is his truth. He has not wavered from it. He does not regret speaking it. He has caused millions of people to examine it. And, quietly, he has donated nearly a million dollars to support it.”

When comparing the two men, the article pointed out that both Ali and Kaepernick “sacrificed for the greater good at a time when many Americans could not see it was a greater good.”

Apparently, the folks over at SI consulted with Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, to pick the recipient and she was apparently “proud” to present Kaepernick with the award.

“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 benefit some of our most vulnerable community members,” she said. 

In addition, the ACLU awarded the 30-year-old over the weekend with the Eason Monroe Courageous Advocate Award. 

The LA Times reported that he received a standing ovation by the audience which included Hollywood A-listers such as Viola Davis. 

In a rare public speech, Kap told the crowd, “We all have an obligation no matter the risk, and regardless of reward, to stand up for our fellow men and women who are being oppressed with the understanding that human rights cannot be compromised."

Word. 

It's too bad that in all this greatness, the NFL still won't let him he be great. But either way, we salute you brotha and all the accolades you continue to rake in!

Congrats!