It’s official: Colin Kaepernick’s controversial decision to kneel during the national anthem this season didn’t create a fractured locker room.
If there was any remaining doubt, it was erased when the 49ers announced Friday that Kaepernick received the Len Eshmont Award, their most prestigious honor which is given to their most courageous and inspirational player.
The award is voted on by players and had been given to wide receiver Anquan Boldin, running back Frank Gore, inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman and defensive tackle Justin Smith the previous four seasons.
After Kaepernick’s national-anthem stance became public in the preseason, he swayed skeptical teammates by passionately explaining his decision was inspired by his digust with racial inquality in a players-only meeting.