Colin Kaepernick named Muhammad Ali Center’s Humanitarian of the Year
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The former NFL quarterback will receive the honor in Louisville a decade after his national anthem protest sparked a national debate over racial justice.
Colin Kaepernick will receive the Muhammad Ali Center’s Humanitarian of the Year award this fall, adding another recognition to a decade of activism centered on racial justice and underserved communities. The honor comes shortly after his organization renewed a $1 million commitment to Black and brown communities and amid renewed discussion of athlete activism 10 years after his national anthem protest.
The Ali Center named Kaepernick the recipient on Aug. 25, with the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback set to receive the honor at the 13th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards on Nov. 7 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was selected for his work opposing racial injustice and supporting underserved communities through Know Your Rights Camp and other philanthropic efforts.
Lonnie Ali, Ali’s widow and the center’s co-founder, president and CEO, said Kaepernick has used his platform to push for equality, human dignity and social change despite the personal and professional consequences that followed his activism. She said his work educating and supporting young people reflects the humanitarian spirit associated with Ali’s legacy.
Kaepernick said receiving the Muhammad Ali Center award was “simultaneously humbling and a responsibility.” He also reaffirmed his commitment to justice, community empowerment and a world where people can live with dignity and self-determination.
Ten years ago, Kaepernick sparked a moment when he first sat for the national anthem, before later kneeling ahead of NFL games in 2016. His protest was intended to call attention to police brutality and racial inequality. The demonstrations became a national political flashpoint and inspired other athletes to protest.
The 2016 season would prove to be Kaepernick’s last in the NFL, despite previously leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance and two NFC Championship games. He later filed a grievance alleging NFL teams colluded to keep him unsigned because of his activism and reached a confidential settlement with the league in 2019.
The Nov. 7 ceremony will also honor Louisville philanthropists Steve and Amy Trager and six young international changemakers. Kaepernick joins past Humanitarian of the Year recipients, including Common, Shaquille O’Neal, Christina Aguilera, Michael J. Fox, Patricia Arquette and Geena Davis.