Kaepernick made headlines this year for deciding to kneel for the playing of the national anthem in protest of police brutality and racism in America, a controversial move that some called unpatriotic.
VIDEO: Colin Kaepernick talks anthem protest, patriotism
FULL INTERVIEW: Kaepernick talks anthem protest, patriotism
The Len Eshmont Award is voted on by the players and is "given to the 49er who best exemplifies the inspirational and courageous play of Len Eshmont, an original member of the 1946 49ers team."
The award was established the year Eshmont died, 1957.
Click here for the full list of 2016 team award recipients.