The former NFL player who took a controversial stand against police brutality and racism will receive the 2026 Humanitarian Award.
By tonyapendleton
Black America Web
https://blackamericaweb.com/
Ten years ago, NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a stand against police brutality. For that, he lost his career while receiving threats and intimidation. He ultimately won a grievance against the NFL after saying its teams colluded to deny him employment.
Now he’s the 2026 recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, given out by the Ali Center since 2013 to honor individuals who exemplify the late boxing icon’s values of generosity, activism and inclusion.
Shaquille O’Neal, Christina Aguilera, Michael J. Fox, Common, Patricia Arquette and Geena Davis are previous recipients. Kaepernick is one of three ‘Seasoned’ recipients, while six awardees 30 and under will be awarded the ‘Core Principles’ award.
“Colin was chosen for his courage to stand against racial injustice and his unwavering commitment to empowering underserved communities,” Lonnie Ali, co-founder, president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, said in a statement. “Like Muhammad, Colin has used his platform to advocate for equality, human dignity, and social change, even when doing so came at significant personal and professional cost.”
She continued, “Through Know Your Rights Camp and his broader philanthropic efforts, Colin has turned his convictions into meaningful action by educating, empowering, and supporting young people and communities. His courage, sacrifice, and sustained dedication to service embody the humanitarian spirit and enduring legacy of Muhammad Ali.”
In the 2016 season, while the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, Kaepernick led what became a controversial protest by sitting and then kneeling during the playing of the national anthem. NFL Network reporter Steve Wyche reported Kaepernick’s stance on Aug. 26, 2016, setting off a controversy that rocked the league.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told Wyche at the time.
What was initially a personal protest escalated when media coverage converged on Kaepernick and other players followed suit.
That would be Kaepernick’s last season. He was released by the 49ers despite taking them to Super Bowl XLVII in a losing effort in 2012.
In 2019, Kaepernick, now 38, won an undisclosed settlement with the NFL after filing a grievance against the league. The grievance was dismissed.
“Receiving the Muhammad Ali Center’s Humanitarian of the Year Award is an incredible honor,” Kaepernick said. “Muhammad Ali lived with an uncommon courage to stand firmly in his convictions, even when doing so came at a great personal cost. He understood that our platforms are not simply ours to benefit from, but ours to use in service of others. To be recognized in his name is simultaneously humbling and a responsibility.”
The NFL protests peaked in 2018 due to the backlash from fans, owners and the media. But Kaepernick’s sacrifice generated some change in the league.
Ten years later, the NFL confirmed to Front Office Sports that they will continue their anti-racism message through helmet decals, on-field displays and a social justice initiative. In 2017, the league and the NFL Players’ Coalition agreed to start the Inspire Change initiative, which has since given out over $575M to community, educational and financial literacy organizations.
In 2019, the NFL signed a deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation to curate and produce the Super Bowl halftime show. Since then, performers have included Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny.
In 2020, after George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis, Commissioner Roger Goodell announced in a video that the NFL should have listened to Kaepernick’s message.
“We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black people,” Goodell said in the video. “We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter.”
Since 2020, the end zones for all 32 teams can display one of four messages – “End Racism,” “Choose Love,” “Stop Hate,” and “Inspire Change.”
Kaepernick will receive the Humanitarian Award on Nov. 7 at the Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
He’ll also be on a book tour starting in September for his memoir The Perilous Fight, coming out on Sept. 15. The tour starts in Detroit on Sept. 12 with Jemele Hill, then moves to 16 cities with moderators including Ryan Clark, W. Kamau Bell, Nikole Hannah Jones, Funk Flex, Van Nathan and Chamillionaire.
