Columbia Queen Beyoncé and Daily Show host Trevor Noah presented Colin Kaepernick with the SI Muhammad Ali Legacy Award Sports Illustrated's 2017 Sportsperson of the Year Award Show, which took place at N.Y.'s Barclays Center on Tuesday night.

“Thank you Colin Kaepernick," Bey stated. "Thank you for your selfless heart, and your conviction. Thank you for your personal sacrifice. Colin took action with no fear of consequence or repercussion only hoping to change the world for the better. To change perception, to change the way we treat each other, especially people of color. We’re still waiting for the world to catch up. It’s been said that racism is so American, that when we protest racism, some assume we are protesting America. So, let’s be very clear. Colin has always been very respectful of the individuals who selflessly serve and protect our country and our communities and our families. His message is solely focused on social injustice for historically disenfranchised people. Let’s not get that mistaken.”

“I say this as a person who receives credit for using my platform to protest systemic oppression, racialized injustice and the dire consequences of anti-blackness in America," shared Kaepernick, speaking publicly for one of the first times since leaving the NFL. "I accept this award not for myself, but on behalf of the people. Because if it were not for my love of the people, I would not have protested. And if it was not for the support from the people, I would not be on this stage today. With or without the NFL's platform, I will continue to work for the people because my platform is the people.”

The event—where Houston athletes J.J. Watt and José Altuve received the evening's top honor—will air nationally via NBCSN at 8pm ET on 12/8.

**Photo credit: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images