Colin Kaepernick Plans to Donate $1 Million to Charity, Become Involved in Community Activism

During a press conference Thursday night, San Francisco 49ers quarterback ​Colin Kaepernick told reporters he plans to donate $1 million to charities that support racial equality, according to CSN's Bay Area affiliate. Colin Kaepernick also said he was in talks with multiple organizations to become involved in social activist work.

“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 [season] to different organization to help these communities and help these people,” Kaepernick said.

He'll make at least $11.9 million this season, with a cap of about $15.9 million.

At the beginning of the 2016 academic year, Kaepernick also donated $60,000 of backpacks to students in Harlem and the Bronx.

Kaepernick vowed last Sunday he would continue to sit during the national anthem until issues of racial oppression were significantly addressed by both the public and political leaders. But after some—including top NFL executives—​were outraged by the gesture and accused Kaepernick of lacking respect for the country, he modified his approach. ESPN reported that after a conversation with Nate Boyer and Eric Reid on Thursday, he decided it would be more appropriate to take a knee during the anthem instead.

“I’m not anti-America [...] I love America. I love people. That’s why I’m doing this. I want to help make America better," he said. "I think having these conversations helps everybody have a better understanding of where everybody is coming from."