Quarterback Colin Kaepernick received Sports Illustrated's Muhammad Ali Legacy Award during SI's Sportsperson of the Year Awards at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Music icon Beyonce introduced the 30-year-old, who last played during Week 17 of the 2016 NFL season.
"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."
Colin Kaepernick concluded
"With or without the NFL's platform, I will continue to work for the people, because my platform is the people."