Durant: 'Tremendous honor' to share GQ cover with Kaepernick

Being named "Champion of the Year" by GQ wasn't the only honor bestowed upon Kevin Durant as a new cover star.

Durant was one of four individuals recognized by the publication for their successes. Colin Kaepernick, the free-agent NFL quarterback who first took to kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial inequality in the United States, was also among the four honorees and Durant admitted he couldn't be any prouder to share a cover with the 30-year-old.

"It was a tremendous honor to be on the cover with him, somebody that - his words started a conversation that was needed in this country, and his actions started a conversation," Durant told Sam Amick of USA TODAY Sports. "It's an honor. It's a blessing.

"I'm definitely grateful to be on the cover, and gracing it with some amazing people."

In Kaepernick's footsteps, multiple NFLers have taken to silently protesting during the national anthem, and Kaepernick has since filed a grievance against the league alleging its owners colluded to keep the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback out of the league.

Related: Goodell to reportedly be deposed in Kaepernick collusion case

Alongside Kaepernick and Durant, talk-show host Stephen Colbert and actress Gal Gadot - who were named "Bad Hombre" and "Wonder Woman" of the year, respectively - were also honored with their own covers.