Kaepernick to donate $1 million to charities supporting racial equality

Colin Kaepernick continued his protest for racial equality in America Thursday, but took it a step further.

After the San Francisco 49ers' road preseason game against the San Diego Chargers, the quarterback promised to make a financial donation to charities who support the same cause.

"I plan to take it a step further. 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 organizations to help these communities and help these people," Kaepernick said postgame, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.

Kaepernick is slated to make $11.9 million this year, with an additional signing bonus of nearly $2.5 million and a roster bonus of $1.1 million. This is all contingent on if the 49ers keep him on their roster this season.

"This is a phenomenal organization. I've had great conversations here. I've had great memories here. This team has given me the opportunity to become the man I am today," Kaepernick said. "I'm grateful for that, I'm thankful for that. And San Francisco has become my home."

Instead of remaining seated during the playing of the national anthem before Thursday's game, Kaepernick - and teammate Eric Reid - took a knee, a move he said he will continue to make in hopes of affecting change.

However, Kaepernick also stood and applauded the playing of "God Bless America" on the Chargers' Salute to Military Night.

"I realize men and women of the military go out and sacrifice their lives and put their selves in harm's way for my freedom of speech and my freedoms in this country and my freedom to take a seat or take a knee," Kaepernick explained.

"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. I think having these conversations help everybody have a better understanding of where everybody is coming from."