Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has sued the NFL’s owners for allegedly colluding to keep him out of the league, believing that league owners refused to hire him after his controversial on-field protests against racial inequality and police brutality. But while he sits on the sideline, he might consider a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
For proof, Kaepernick could look no further than the life of boxer Muhammad Ali.
When Ali died in 2016, he was remembered not only as the greatest boxer who ever lived but a champion of civil rights and a man who stood firmly against the Vietnam War. But it’s often forgotten that, in his day, Ali was reviled by many. According to columnist Terry Foster:
“[Ali] did not become loved by America until later in his career and for some after his career was finished. You must understand that for a black man to take stands against the government and against the majority of society were acts of bravery for some and acts of treason for others.”
On Dec. 5, 2017, Sports Illustrated strengthened the historical bond between Ali and Kaepernick by giving him the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award at the magazine’s annual Sportsperson of the Year Awards. The award was presented to Kaepernick by Beyoncé, whose surprise appearance shocked the crowd at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn.
“Thank you Colin Kaepernick,” Beyoncé said. “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 hope to change the world for the better.”
Look how Colin Kaepernick lookin at Beyonce tho! pic.twitter.com/dCPR0ddvqs
— BeyonceFukdMe (@BeyonceFukdMe) December 6, 2017
“I accept this award knowing that the legacy of Muhammad Ali is that of a champion of the people,” Kaepernick said in his speech. “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.'
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 6, 2017
Colin Kaepernick received SI's Muhammad Ali Legacy Award last night. #Sportsperson pic.twitter.com/ORxRJ6rGhJ
Kaepernick pledged to continue fighting against injustice regardless of what happens with his football career. “With or without the NFL’s platform, I will continue to work for the people because my platform is the people,” he said. Despite not receiving any pay from the NFL this year, Kaepernick is donating $1 million to community organizations that work to raise awareness about inequality.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.