During the Sports Illustrated Awards on Tuesday night, Colin Kaepernick was presented with the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award by Beyonce.
During her introduction, Beyonce thanked Kaepernick for his selfless heart, conviction and personal sacrifice.
"Colin took action with no fear of consequence or repercussion," Beyoncé said. "Only hope to change the world for the better. To change perception, to change the way we treat each other. Especially people of color."
Kaepernick began silently kneeling in protest of police brutality and social injustices during the playing of the national anthem in 2016, which sparked both a backlash of criticism from fans and support from several fellow players and fans.
Kaepernick said with or without an NFL platform, he will continue to speak for the voiceless.
“I accept this award knowing that the legacy of Muhammad Ali is that of a champion the people,” Kaepernick said when presented with the award. “I accept this award not for myself, but on behalf of the people, because if it were not for my love of the people I would not have protested. And if it was not for the support from the people I would not be on this stage today.”
After opting out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers in March, Kaepernick has not signed with another NFL team.
On Oct. 15, Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL accusing owners of collusion and preventing him from being signed to another team.
The second-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft is one of the most accomplished free-agent quarterbacks that remain unsigned. Kaepernick led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2012 and the NFC Championship in 2013 before opting out of his contract.
The Sports Illustrated Awards will air Friday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports.
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