Colin Kaepernick Honored as Humanitarian of the Year by Muhammad Ali Center
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick was awarded the Muhammad Ali Center's Humanitarian of the Year award at its 13th annual awards ceremony in Louisville. Kaepernick, who played six seasons in the NFL, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers, was recognized for his work addressing racial injustice and supporting underserved communities. He became a national figure in 2016 after kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality, sparking widespread debate. Kaepernick acknowledged Muhammad Ali's influence, stating that Ali's leadership and example helped prepare him for his own journey as an activist. The event also honored Louisville philanthropists Steve and Amy Trager with the Kentucky Humanitarian Award and recognized six changemakers under 30 for their contributions in accessibility, technology, environmental sustainability, and refugee support.