GQ magazine has named quarterback Colin Kaepernick as its 2017 Citizen of the Year.
GQ’s 2017 Citizen of the Year: @Kaepernick7 https://t.co/NpVJbRg8dG #GQMOTY pic.twitter.com/At7UMZJaoG
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) November 13, 2017
GQ gave Kaepernick the title because of his protests against police brutality against minorities.
Colin Kaepernick’s protest against police brutality puts him in rare company in sports history https://t.co/yhz9gaHzR3 #GQMOTY pic.twitter.com/FenUAsG7mW
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) November 13, 2017
GQ interviewed a number of people to shed more light on Kaepernick and what he has been doing while away from football.
“The irony now is that the NFL is trying to make him voiceless because he made himself a voice for the voiceless.” —@LeftSentThis #GQMOTY pic.twitter.com/GUOp05ikbI
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) November 13, 2017
“My hope is that Colin’s protest will help mainstream white America to come alive to the deep injustices of our time and of our nation’s history. That’s the beginning of what the world needs.” —@CFPetrella #GQMOTY pic.twitter.com/97nFLPCAT9
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) November 13, 2017
Players have given praise to Kaepernick for his protests. Although Kaepernick is not currently on an NFL roster many players continue to support Kaepernick by kneeling during the national anthem.
Some believe that owners have intentionally not hired Kaepernick. There has been a strong backlash by fans who have threatened to boycott the NFL if nothing is done about the kneeling.
Kaepernick himself believes the NFL owners have colluded against him. He has filed a grievance case against the NFL with the help of the players association.
For now, Kaepernick is still not on an NFL roster. Kaepernick has stated that he wants to sign with a team and play football again. Time will tell if owners really did collude against him and if a team will be willing to deal with some backlash and give him a chance.
