SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ Colin Kaepernick, who last week pledged to donate the first $1 million he earns this season to organizations that support his cause, said Wednesday he would donate all the money he gets from jersey sales as well.
Kaepernick's No. 7 jersey has become the top seller at both the 49ers team store and on NFLShop.com since he explained why he will not stand during the national anthem in order to bring attention to racial inequality and police issues in this country. Sources said a top-selling jersey like Kaepernick's could earn the player roughly $300,000-$500,000.
Wrote Kaepernick on his Instagram account, which has 1.4 million followers:
"I want to thank everyone who has shown me love and support, it truly means a lot! I wasn't expecting my jersey sales to jump to number one because of this, but it shows the people's belief that we can achieve justice and equality for ALL! The only way I can repay you for the support is to return the favor by donating all the proceeds I receive from my jersey sales back into the communities! I believe in the people, and WE can be the change!"
The post included eight photos of people wearing Kaepernick's jersey, from a toddler to rapper J. Cole. Kaepernick has not said which groups will receive his donations.
Kaepernick's stance, which became public Aug. 27, has been a national story since. President Barack Obama recently commented that the 49ers quarterback was exercising his right of expression. Presidential hopeful Donald Trump suggested Kaepernick try to find a better country.
He also has begun to receive support from other athletes. Safety Eric Reid kneeled beside Kaepernick in the team's preseason finale last week. Seattle cornerback Jeremy Lane sat during the anthem prior to his team's game the same night. U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe kneeled before her team's most recent match.
