NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick is being presented with Sports Illustrated’s annual Muhammad Ali Legacy Award; historically presented to an athlete who's used their platform to create change.
The San Francisco 49ers player was the first to start the 'Take a Knee' movement in American sport last year, as a protest against racial injustice.
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Now Sports Illustrated is awarding him the 2017 honour, declaring that in the history of the award, "no winner has been more fitting than Kaepernick".
Kaepernick has been compared to boxer Muhummad Ali in the past, for risking a high-powered athletic career to stage a protest against injustice. Ali also spoke out against racial degradation during his career and took a stand against the Vietnam War in 1966.
During his continued efforts against racism in the past 16 months, Kaepernick has been slammed by politicians, celebrities and United States President Donald Trump. Controversial singer Kid Rock stopped a concert to yell "f**k Colin Kaepernick" during a concert in August.
In an essay, Sports Illustrated's Michael Rosenberg acknowledged the criticism the NFL player has faced, writing: "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."
Ali's widow, Lonnie Ali, consults with the magazine to decide on the recipient. In a statement, she compared the football player to late husband, writing: "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.
"He has used his celebrity and philanthropy to benefit some of our most vulnerable community members. I know the Ali family joins me in congratulating Colin as he receives the 2017 SI Muhammad Ali Legacy Award."
The Legacy Award will be presented at the Sportsperson of the Year Awards on December 5. Kaepernick, who is currently unsigned to an NFL team, was also recently honoured as GQ's Citizen of the Year.
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