Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who is widely considered to have been black balled by the NFL for kneeling during the National Anthem in protest to police violence against black people, has been honored by GQ as this year’s "Citizen of the Year."

The 30-year-old athlete graces the cover under the banner, “Man of the Year: The New American Heroes.” Interestingly, Kaepernick didn’t speak with the magazine for his cover story, however, he did pose for photographs and assisted in giving GQ access to close associates that offered "some rare insights into Colin Kaepernick himself."

Kaepernick hasn’t given any interviews the entire 2017 football season, as he continues to fight to get reinstated into the NFL. With the season almost over, it’s likely he won’t be able to join an NFL team this year.

Fans on Twitter have been rejoicing GQ's choice for "Citizen of the Year" and saluted Kaep on his honor.

"Stay strong we love you. As a parent I thank you for being a true hero, they are rare these days, exceedingly rare," wrote one person. Another user tweeted, "Nobody is more deserving of Citizen of the Year than Colin Kaepernick, a true American hero who sacrificed his career to fight white supremacy."

Check out reactions to GQ's "Citizen of the Year" honor below.

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