Colin Kaepernick will donate money from skyrocketing jersey sales

Senior writer

Wed, Sep 7, 2016, 4:52 PM

While plenty of people have complained about Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protest, he has a lot of support too. Just look around for Kaepernick’s jersey, because they are flying off the shelves.

Many people are buying the San Francisco 49ers quarterback’s No. 7 jersey, even though he’s not even starting Week 1 for the 49ers. Among all NFL players, Kaepernick has moved up to first on the list, according to NFLShop.com. Earlier this week, “Good Morning America” said Kaepernick ranked 20th among 49ers players in jersey sales before his protest gained so much attention.

[ Play Yahoo Fantasy Football for free | Mock Draft now | Rankings | Draft Kit ]

Kaepernick was moved by the support, and in an Instagram post he thanked those who had bought his jersey and promised to donate the proceeds “back into the communities.” Kaepernick previously promised to donate $1 million to organizations that support his cause. Kaepernick is protesting injustice in America against racial minorities.

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!
A photo posted by colin kaepernick (@kaepernick7) on Sep 7, 2016 at 7:22am PDT

Hip-hop stars J. Cole and Trey Songz wore Kaepernick jerseys during recent performances, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Although Kaepernick taking a knee during the national anthem (he switched from sitting during the anthem to taking a knee for last week’s preseason game) has drawn a lot of negative responses, many others have a positive view of what he’s doing. Kaepernick said he’s not anti-American or anti-military, as some who want to denigrate his message have claimed. He says he wants to point out unfair treatment of black people and other minorities, especially by police.

[It’s not too late! Join a Yahoo Fantasy Football League]

While Kaepernick’s critics have been vocal, the quarterback’s supporters have spoken loudly in another way: with their wallets.