In a shock look few individuals knew about prematurely, the “Loopy in Love” singer stepped out Tuesday night time to current the previous San Francisco 49ers quarterback with Sports activities Illustrated‘s Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.

“It feels so good to be right here on such a particular night time of appreciation. Thanks Colin Kaepernick. Thanks on your selfless coronary heart and your conviction. Thanks in your private sacrifice,” the Grammy winner shared with the viewers inside New York Metropolis’s Barclays Middle. “Colin took motion with no worry of consequence or repercussion, solely hope to vary the world for the higher. To vary notion, to vary the best way we deal with one another, particularly individuals of shade.”

The mom-of-three added, “We’re nonetheless ready for the world to catch up…His message is solely targeted on social injustice for traditionally disenfranchised individuals. Let’s not get that mistaken.” 

The Muhammad Ali Legacy Award is given to an athlete who makes use of their platform to advertise change.

Through the 2016-17 NFL season, Colin made headlines when he refused to face for the nationwide anthem. His actions impressed different athletes and entertainers to talk out and comply with go well with. 

When it was first revealed that Colin can be receiving the award, Muhammad Ali‘s spouse Lonnie Ali supported the choice.

“I’m proud to have the ability to current this to Colin for his passionate protection of social justice and civil rights for all individuals,” she shared with Sports activities Illustrated. “Like Muhammad, Colin is a person who stands on his convictions with confidence and braveness, undaunted by the private sacrifices he has needed to make to have his message heard. And he has used his superstar and philanthropy to the good thing about a few of our most weak group members.”

Earlier Legacy recipients embrace Invoice Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jim Brown and Magic Johnson.

Throughout tonight’s ceremony, nevertheless, the eye was all on Colin.

“I settle for this award not for myself, however on behalf of the individuals,” he informed the gang by way of the New York Every day Information. “As a result of if it was not for my love of the individuals, I might not have protested. And if it was not for the help of the individuals, I might not be on this stage at the moment. With or with out the NFL’s platform, I’ll proceed to work for the individuals, as a result of my platform is the individuals.” 

Watch the 2017 Sports activities Illustrated‘s Sportsperson of the Yr occasion Friday night time at eight p.m. on NBCSN.