Colin Kaepernick – American Hero?

Today, GQ Magazine released their "Citizen of the Year", awarding it to former football quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The article is a part of GQ's series called The New American Heroes highlighting Kaepernick, actress Gal Gadot, talk show host Stephen Colbert, and basketball player Kevin Durant. Of course the choice made headlines this morning with Kaepernick sparking controversy.

The former 49ers' quarterback made himself a household name by sparking the NFL protesting by kneeling during the national anthem. The protesters actions are made to shed light on the inequality of African Americans in the US.

Kaepernick has not played for the NFL this season and some say it is because of his actions last season.

Fast forward to today where GQ places Kaepernick with Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali. The article titled Colin Kaepernick Will Not Be Silenced stated, "Colin Kaepernick's determined stand puts him in rare company in sports history: Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson—athletes who risked everything to make a difference."

The article referred to Kaepernick as "...one of the most gifted quarterbacks on earth..."

GQ compiled statements on Kaepernick from people like filmmaker Ava DuVernay, former teammate Eric Reid, rapper J. Cole, activist Linda Sarsour, and many more.

Sarsour remarked:

I always tell Colin: 'You are an American hero. You may not feel like a hero right now, but one day, people will realize the sacrifices that you made for so many others.' There might even be a day when we'll be walking down Colin Kaepernick Boulevard and people will remember what Colin Kaepernick did, just like we remember Muhammad Ali. And I truly believe that in my heart.

People on social media voice their opinions in both praise and dismay of GQ's decision.

Let us know what you think.

Source: GQ.com