Kaepernick honored as GQ’s ‘Citizen of the Year’

Colin Kaepernick can’t get an NFL team to give him a look, but his views on social justice led GQ magazine to name him its “Citizen of the Year.”

The former 49ers quarterback shares the spotlight on the cover of the latest magazine with Warriors star Kevin Durant, who was honored as “Champion of the Year” by the men’s magazine.

In honoring Kaepernick, GQ lauded him for taking a knee in order to take a stand against police brutality as well as racial and social injustice. GQ also noted Kaepernick’s silent protest has led to many other athletes following suit by kneeling during the playing of the national anthem — and drawing repeated criticicm by Presdent Donald Trump.

Kaepernick says on Twitter he’s “honored” by the recognition. Kaepernick hasn’t played since finishing the 2016 season with the 49ers, which the magazine argues is a crime in itself.

“Approximately 90 men are currently employed as quarterbacks in the NFL, as either starters or reserves, and Colin Kaepernick is better — indisputably, undeniably, flatout better — than at least 70 of them,” GQ said. “And yet he has been locked out of the game he loves—blackballed— because of one simple gesture: He knelt during the playing of our national anthem.”

In the story, singer and activist Harry Belafonte says seeing people like Kaepernick taking action is “the greatest reward” he could ask for.