Colin Kaepernick Named Muhammad Ali Center’s Humanitarian of the Year

A football player, activist, and entrepreneur continues a legacy of courage, equality, and service to others

Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick is receiving a special honor named after one of the most courageous athletes in history.

The Muhammad Ali Center has selected the NFL quarterback, civil rights activist, and entrepreneur as its 2026 Humanitarian of the Year. The award recognizes Kaepernick’s long-standing work for equality, human dignity, and greater opportunities for underserved communities.

For many people, Kaepernick became a symbol of peaceful protest in 2016 when he knelt during the national anthem before an NFL game. His decision sparked a nationwide conversation about racial injustice, equality, and the role athletes can play in addressing important social issues.

But his work did not stop on the football field.

The Muhammad Ali Center says Kaepernick has continued to connect sports, activism, and community service. Through his efforts, he has used his public platform to encourage change and support people who have historically had fewer opportunities.

Lonnie Ali, co-founder and President & CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, said Kaepernick was chosen because of his courage and his commitment to empowering underserved communities.

The honor also carries special meaning because of the person whose name it bears: Muhammad Ali.

Ali was more than a legendary boxer. He was known around the world for speaking openly about his beliefs and standing up for causes he considered important. Like Ali, Kaepernick has faced criticism and significant personal and professional consequences because of his activism.

That connection makes the award particularly meaningful.

Kaepernick described receiving the honor as an incredible achievement. He also recognized the responsibility that comes with being connected to Muhammad Ali’s legacy.

Ali believed that fame and success could be used to help others. Kaepernick has expressed a similar belief, saying public platforms should serve other people rather than simply benefit the self.

That idea is at the heart of humanitarian work: using what you have to make life better for someone else.

Kaepernick’s journey shows that making a difference does not always mean everyone will agree with you. Sometimes, standing up for an important belief can be difficult. It can require courage, patience, and a willingness to accept criticism.

His story also raises an important question for young people: What can you do with your own voice?

You don’t have to be a professional athlete or famous person to make a difference. Helping a classmate, volunteering in your community, speaking up when someone is treated unfairly, or supporting people who need help can all be meaningful actions.

The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards celebrate people who use their influence to create positive change. The awards began in 2013 and have recognized many well-known figures over the years, including Shaquille O’Neal, Christina Aguilera, Michael J. Fox, Common, Patricia Arquette, and Geena Davis.

Colin Kaepernick named Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year

Kaepernick will receive the Humanitarian of the Year award at the 13th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards on November 7, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky. The event is also the Muhammad Ali Center’s largest annual fundraiser, helping support its programs and events.

The center will also present the Kentucky Humanitarian Award to Steve and Amy Trager.

In addition, the center will recognize six young adults age 30 or younger for making positive contributions to their communities and beyond.

That part of the celebration may be especially inspiring because it reminds us that leadership isn’t limited to famous people.

Muhammad Ali once showed the world how powerful one person’s voice could become. Colin Kaepernick has followed his own path, using his voice and platform to advocate for justice and equality.

Their stories may be different, but they share a powerful lesson: courage is not simply about standing up when it is easy. Sometimes, courage means standing up for what you believe is right when doing so is difficult.

And sometimes, the greatest measure of success is not what you achieve for yourself, but what you do to help others.

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