Colin Kaepernick slated for Muhammad Ali Center humanitarian honor amid controversy

The Muhammad Ali Center confirmed that former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick will be honored with its Humanitarian of the Year Award later this year, recognizing his advocacy against racial injustice and his Know Your Rights Camp. Lonnie Ali, the late Muhammad Ali’s wife and co-founder of the center, highlighted Kaepernick’s willingness to face personal and professional repercussions for his stance. The article challenges the merit of the award, noting that Kaepernick’s NFL performance had declined and that his protests generated lucrative endorsement deals, particularly with Nike.

It argues that unlike Muhammad Ali’s wartime conscientious objection, Kaepernick did not endure comparable sacrifices. The commentary also points to previous contentious selections by the center, such as a 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Anthony Fauci, suggesting a pattern of questionable choices. Kaepernick is expected to leverage the accolade to promote his forthcoming book, "The Perilous Fight."