The award is given by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to individuals who are considered to stand up for civil rights. In his acceptance speech, Kaepernick said that these rights are under attack in today's America.
They are trying to infringe on our rights, violate our dignity and encroach on the future we want to build together, he said.
Colin Kaepernick sparked controversy in 2016 when he began kneeling during the American national anthem before games to draw attention to oppression and police violence against Black people in the United States.
Bruce Springsteen also received the award, performing his song "Streets of Minneapolis".
