GQ Magazine has named Colin Kaepernick the 2017 “Citizen of the Year.” The free agent quarterback is featured on the cover of an upcoming issue of GQ, as part of their annual “Men of the Year” issues, which also includes Late-night host Stephen Colbert, actress Gal Gadot and Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant.
In the cover story, titled, “Colin Kaepernick Will Not Be Silenced,” Kaepernick posed for a series of photos in Harlem, although he declined to provide quotes for the story itself, citing his desire to remain silent. The article states, “As his public identity has begun to shift from football star to embattled activist, he has grown wise to the power of his silence.”
Instead, GQ asked others to comment on Kaepenrick’s story and impact on society, including singer Harry Belafonte, rapper J. Cole, director Ava DuVernay and former teammate Eric Reid.
“Had (Kaepernick not taken a knee), this guy would be making millions of dollars right now. Period, point blank,” rapper J. Cole said in the article. “And more important than the money, he was living his dream. He sacrificed his dream.”
Colin Kaepernick recently filed a grievance against the NFL owners on October 15th, alleging they colluded to keep him out of the league. ESPN reports that he is not working through the NFLPA, and has instead hired high-profile lawyer Mark Geragos to represent him.
Although there have been a number of quarterback injuries this season (and general incompetence at the position), Kaepernick has been unable to gain traction with any of the 32 NFL teams. Several coaches and owners in the NFL will reportedly be deposed as part of Kaepernick’s grievance.
Announcing GQ's Men (and Woman) of the Year 2017: @Kaepernick7, @StephenAtHome, @GalGadot, and @KDTrey5 https://t.co/5W5RMBKdku pic.twitter.com/LArjwrh3GX
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) November 13, 2017
Colin Kaepernick has earned the right to remain silent https://t.co/Jx0z6tfM7C #GQMOTY pic.twitter.com/Mfw8ohCKIo
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) November 13, 2017
The good people @GQMagazine just named Colin Kaepernick its Citizen of the Year. On the cover now.
FULL STORY: https://t.co/ijzEiIE350 pic.twitter.com/jpPivsbUMf
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) November 13, 2017
