Controversial QB Colin Kaepernick named most courageous and inspirational player by his 49ers' teammates

  • The quarterback made headlines this season by refusing to stand for the anthem 
  • Kaepernick's teammates named him the Len Eshmont Award Winner on Friday
  • Award is given to the player who is deemed most 'inspirational and courageous' 
  • Kaepernick said he appreciates the support of his team, saying it is 'impactful' 

By Liam Quinn For Dailymail.com

Published: 22:44 EST, 30 December 2016 | Updated: 09:05 EST, 31 December 2016

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been given one of his team's highest individual honors by players who share the locker room with him.

Kaepernick, who created headlines all season by refusing to stand for the national anthem in protest against racial injustice in the U.S., was given the Len Eshmont Award on Friday.

The award, which is named after Eshmont - a leader on the original 49ers squad in 1946, is given to the player who is deemed the most 'inspirational and courageous', according to a team statement.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (pictured after beating the Los Angeles Rams on December 24) has been given one of the team's highest individual honors by players who share the locker room with him

The quarterback's protest was considered controversial, however it appears as though it was not that way with his teammates.

Eric Reid and outside linebacker Eli Harold knelt with Kaepernick for the majority of the season, and the 29-year-old was made the team's starter in Week Six. 

After receiving the honor, Kaepernick said the support he received all season from his teammates has been a huge boost.

'It's very impactful, and I think they are people who have very strong character,' Kaepernick said, ESPN reports. 

Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates with teammates after scoring a two point conversion against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

Rashard Robinson (33) celebrates with quarterback Colin Kaepernick after the 49ers 22-21 win over the Rams on December 24

Colin Kaepernick raises his right fist after scoring a two-point conversion against the Rams on December 24

'And to have the ability to really recognize what's going on, how it not only affects them, but it affects their families and affects other people that look like them, is something that's very powerful - and I'm very happy to have teammates like that, that have that type of character, that have those type of ethics and humanity.' 

Earlier on Friday, the protest was heralded as 'historic' by the man behind Tommie Smith and John Carlos' famous Olympic acts.

'If he did nothing else but what he has managed to achieve he belongs in the Smithsonian right next to Ali, right next to Smith and Carlos, right next to Arthur Ashe and Jim Brown and Bill Russell,' Harry Edwards said.

Kaepernick was named the most inspirational and courageous player by his San Francisco teammates on Friday

Eric Reid (left) and Colin Kaepernick (right) kneel on the sideline during the anthem in San Diego on September 1

'Right next to all of those trailblazers who came through the locker room door in an effort to advance and enlighten us all.

'I’ve heard all of that crap which has nothing to do with anything. 

'The reality is he’s one of these people in the historical moment who shows up and says essentially, "We are better than this. We have an obligation to do better. And I am not going to stop reminding everybody of that simple fact".'

Kaepernick's protest spread to other players in the NFL, with some also taking a knee while others held their fist in the air.

Colin Kaepernick poses for a pictures with fans before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on December 24

Eric Reid and Colin Kaepernick kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to the 49ers game on September 12

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Morgan Fox, left, dives for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the second half of their game on December 24

The quarterback put his money where his mouth is during his demonstration by pledging to donate $1 million to charities that will help the community.

All season long, 49ers teammates publicly spoke out in support of Kaepernick.

'Colin has handled that situation better than anyone could have imagined,' wide receiver Torrey Smith said in October, according to ESPN.

'It hasn't been a distraction in our locker room, and it probably helped him open up to a lot of our team and our teammates better. 

'He's been very open in communication about that as well as football.'

Kaepernick has said he will likely opt out of his currently contract after this season, meaning he could leave the 49ers. 

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