Final answer:
Muhammad Ali was different from today’s African-American athletes because of his strong political stance against the Vietnam War and refusal to be inducted into the US Army.
Step-by-step explanation:
Muhammad Ali was different from today’s African-American athletes because he took a strong political stance against the Vietnam War and refused to be inducted into the US Army. He based his refusal on his religious and political beliefs as a member of the Nation of Islam. Ali was willing to give up his boxing career and go to jail rather than compromise his principles, challenging the stereotype of cowardice associated with draft evaders. This sets him apart from many African-American athletes today who may not take such public and controversial political stands.