Beyonce Presents Colin Kaepernick With “Muhammad Ali Legacy” Award

On Tuesday night, Sports Illustrated held their annual “Sportsperson of the Year Show” at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York, where they recognize some of the best statistical & influential athletes in sports. Last week, they informed us that former 49ers QB-turned-activist Colin Kaepernick would be receiving this year’s “Muhammad Ali Legacy” award, and rightfully so, but what they didn’t mention is who would be presenting it to him. On Tuesday night, Beyonce decided to grace the stage and surprise Colin by presenting him with the award.

According to tweets & those in attendance, Beyonce apparently thanked Kaepernick for his “selfless heart and conviction,” before going on to add… “Thank you for your personal sacrifice. Colin took action with no fear of consequence or repercussion—only hope to change the world for the better. To change perception. To change the way we treat each other—especially people of color. We’re still waiting for the world to catch up. It’s been said that racism is so American that when we protest racism, some assume we’re protesting America,” Beyonce said. 

Queen Bey is just the latest of a long line of musicians to come defense of Colin Kaepernick however. Other acts like JAY-Z, Chance the Rapper, Cardi B, Meek Mill, and Stevie Wonder have all voiced their opinion on the Kaepernick situation.

While the SI show airs this Friday, December 8th on NBC Sports Network, fans in attendance were able to capture some footage of Beyonce’s surprise appearance & speech, which you can see for yourself (below). Check it out.