Colin Kaepernick’s had his share of criticism over his protest of the national anthem, but the San Francisco 49ers’ backup has also seen some extra green — the quarterback’s jersey sales have skyrocketed to No. 1 in the NFL.
Rest assured the financial windfall will go to good causes, Kaepernick told his followers Wednesday, announcing via Instagram that he will donate his personal jersey sale revenue:
“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 the people, and WE can be the change!
Prior to this announcement, Kaepernick, who has has been sitting or kneeling during the national anthem before preseason games and intends to continue for the entirety of the 2016 season, said that he would donate $1 million to various causes.
“I am planning to take it a step further,” Kaepernick said, via The Undefeated. “I’m currently working with organizations to be involved, and making sure I’m actively in these communities, as well as donating the first million dollars I make this year to different organizations to help these communities and help these people.”
“I’ve been very blessed to be in this position and make the kind of money I do, and I have to help these people,” Kaepernick continued. “I have to help these communities. It’s not right that they’re not put in the position to succeed or given the opportunities to succeed.”
The 49ers open up their season on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams. San Francisco head coach Chip Kelly stated that quarterback Blaine Gabbert will start the opener, with Kaepernick serving as the backup.
Kaepernick, who is bi-racial, has said he is protesting police violence against minorities.
According to ESPN’s Darren Rovell, before his protest, Kaepernick’s jersey sales ranked 120th in the NFL. By Tuesday, Kaepernick rose to first in jersey sales league-wide. In fact, San Francisco sold more Kaepernick jerseys in the span of one week than the previous eight months.
• Tommy Chalk can be reached at tchalk@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.