On Monday, November 13th, GQ magazine published an article praising ex-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick as the 'Citizen of the Year'.

Since his decision to kneel during the national anthem at a preseason game in 2016, Kaepernick has quickly become a symbol for activists and Black Lives Matter movements across the country.

This was no typical feature article, though. Why?

Because nowhere in the article was Colin Kaepernick himself actually interviewed or quoted.

Instead, the feature includes ten different testimonies from a group of very different individuals, from Kaepernick's long-time girlfriend and TV/radio personality Nessa Diab, to rapper J.Cole, to 49ers teammate Eric Reid, to renowned activists like Linda Sarsour and Tamika Mallory. Also included in the article is a collection of photos of Kaepernick, many of him with the children he strives to help.

The group all gave their own personal blurbs about Kaepernick, their relationships with him, and what they think about the nationwide movement that the football star created.

They also touch on other areas of Kaepernick's civil service, such as his work with children who have heart defects, helping them to get medical care they desperately need.

Many of the quotes are fond testimonies of Kaepernick's character and bravery. Linda Sarsour says, "I always tell Colin: 'You are an American hero. You may not feel like a hero right now, but one day, people will realize the sacrifices that you made for so many others.' There might even be a day when we'll be walking down Colin Kaepernick Boulevard and people will remember what Colin Kaepernick did, just like we remember Muhammad Ali. And I truly believe that in my heart."

Other quotes, like the one belonging to Nessa, are a call to action that Kaepernick himself would be proud of.

His girlfriend is quoted saying, "As long as you're educated and you have the facts, get into those discussions about race. Have those conversations. I don't care how intense they get. You need to let Uncle Whoever and Auntie Whoever, who might feel a certain way, who might be racist or prejudiced, know that it's not right and it's not okay."

"Their beliefs are never based on facts. It's always opinions or lies or misinformation, and that is where you can make a difference — by helping them get educated. Just know that it's probably going to be a fight at first, and be okay with that."

"You know, your Thanksgiving might not be that good this year. Your Christmas might not be the best because we just had an argument. But you know what? It's okay, it's all right — that's what families do, anyway. And why would you want a family member out there sounding ignorant?"

So it's fine, we're going to fight over the eggnog, and that's just what it is. We may not see eye to eye, but I did my part, sharing the truth because that's all you can do. Be just in an unjust room," says Nessa.

Before kneeling during the anthem became a trend, Colin Kaepernick was the first to do it. He did it to stand up for something that he passionately believes in.

He exercised his rights as an American to peacefully call attention to the unjust oppression of people of color and police brutality. He did it before everyone was doing it, and he created something that he himself calls "bigger than football."

GQ calls Colin Kaepernick an American hero, and I have to agree with them.

The man created a movement that nobody can ignore. He gave a voice to so many people that wouldn't have otherwise had one, and someone who can do that is definitely worthy of the 'Citizen of the Year' title.

You can read the full feature article at GQ's website by clicking right here.