Despite missing the entire 2017 NFL season, Colin Kaepernick continues to win. Thursday, he became the recipient of the Sport's Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.

It was announced that he would receive the award “for his steadfastness in the fight for social justice, for his adherence to his beliefs no matter the cost” as well as embodying “the ideals of sportsmanship, leadership and philanthropy.” Ali famously refused induction into the Army during the Vietnam War, risking imprisonment and costing him his boxing license for three years. As history repeats itself, Kaepernick has risked his career and livelihood for a cause he believes in.

Essentially being blackballed by the NFL, Kaepernick continues to reach far and wide. In addition to donating $1 million of his own money to make a difference, he has influenced athletes, cheerleaders, musicians, and actors to join in on bringing attention to issues that affect marginalized groups. 

The Muhammad Ali Legacy Award was started in 2008 and later renamed after the late professional boxer in 2016. Former winners include Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jim Brown, Jack Nicklaus and Magic Johnson. Kaepernick will be formerly presented with the award at Sports Illustrated‘s Sportsperson of the Year ceremony on Dec. 8.

In a talk with Sports Illustrated, Muhammad Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali spoke on Kaepernick. 

“I am proud to be able to present this to Colin for his passionate defense of social justice and civil rights for all people,” she began. “Like Muhammad, Colin is a man who stands on his convictions with confidence and courage, undaunted by the personal sacrifices he has had to make to have his message heard. And he has used his celebrity and philanthropy to the benefit of some of our most vulnerable community members.”

A well-deserved honor, Colin. Congrats!