Colin Kaepernick Will Receive The Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award

After being declared GQ Magazine's "Citizen of the Year," Colin Kaepernick has received another honor.

READ: J. Cole, Harry Belafonte, And More Speak On Colin Kaepernick's Impact In GQ Cover Story

The football player turned activist is the recipient of the Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award this year, with the sports media franchise offering him the recognition "for his steadfastness in the fight for social justice" and "for his adherence to his beliefs no matter the cost."

"Each year SI and the Ali family honor a figure who embodies the ideals of sportsmanship, leadership and philanthropy and has used sports as a platform for changing the world," Sports Illustrated wrote. "Kaepernick did not want to sacrifice his football career for this. But he did it anyway. It is a rare person who gives up what he loves in exchange for what he believes."

"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, added. "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."

Two weeks ago GQ recognized Kaepernick as its "Citizen of the Year," where people such as J. Cole, Ava DuVernay, as well as iconic civil rights activist Harry Belafonte spoke on Kaepernick's impact.

"...to see people like Colin Kaepernick having gotten the message and carrying the cause forward is the greatest reward I could ask for," Belafonte said. "Colin is a remarkable young man. The fact that he spoke out on police brutality against young black men—I thought it was absolutely admirable. I'm prepared to do anything it takes and whatever steps I can to support him if this insanity continues."

Source: si.com