Former NFL star turned activist Colin Kaepernick‘s biggest fan just might be his girlfriend, radio personality Nessa Diab.
In recognition of Kaepernick’s ongoing activism, he was recently named GQ‘s 2017 Citizen of the Year. In the issue, Diab poignantly wrote about why he’s so worthy of the honor.
“Colin has always been helping people, he has always been involved, because he has empathy,” she wrote for the magazine. “Empathy was a reason why he was adopted: His parents—two of their children had passed away from heart defects. It’s why he helped so many young children with heart defects get proper care—he’s been doing that for years. I’m very fortunate that I have Colin next to me. It’s everything. We love each other, we care for each other, and we have to remind each other that, hey, we’re doing our part, we’re trying to make a difference.”
The host and television personality and the former 49ers quarterback have been together for nearly three years and they have worked toward bringing awareness to social injustice throughout their relationship.
Kaepernick’s “Man of the Year” cover story also features words from rapper J. Cole, director Ava DuVernay and civil rights activist, Harry Belafonte. Click here to read it.