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SAN DIEGO -- San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the national anthem Thursday night and in his new position, he wasnt alone.On Sunday, Kaepernick vowed to continue sitting during the national anthem until he was satisfied with the changes made toward ending racial oppression in the United States.But after a roughly 90-minute discussion with Nate Boyer, the former Army Green Beret and long-snapper, and safety Eric Reid at the team hotel on Thursday afternoon, Kaepernick shifted gears in an effort to be more respectful to those offended by his protest.We were talking to him about how can we get the message back on track and not take away from the military, not take away from pride in our country but keep the focus on what the issues really are, Kaepernick said. As we talked about it, we came up with taking a knee because there are issues that still need to be addressed and there was also a way to show more respect for the men and women that fight for this country.So when the national anthem began playing Thursday night at Qualcomm Stadium, Kaepernick and Reid took a knee while Boyer stood next to them.For the rest of the night, the San Diego Chargers celebrated their Salute to the Military night for the 28th year with various tributes to the troops throughout. Kaepernick knelt during the anthem, applauded veterans and active military during a first-half break with Lee Greenwoods God Bless the USA playing and stood for a rendition of God Bless America, clapping at the end of that as well.Once again, Im not anti-American, Kaepernick said. I love America. I love people. Thats why Im doing this. I want to help make America better. I think having these conversations helps everybody have a better understanding of where everybody is coming from.Those conversations are important to have because the better we understand each other, the better we know each other, the better we can deal and communicate with each other which ultimately makes everyone, puts everybody in a better position.After the game, Kaepernick spent time signing autographs for a large contingent of 49ers fans who stuck around until the end of the Niners 31-21 win in the preseason finale. He then spoke to the media for more than 16 minutes, announcing that he plans to donate the first $1 million he makes this year to help communities in need as part of his plan to take a more active role in combating racial inequality.It was something I was thinking about to try to make sure that Im not just talking about something but Im actively being involved and actively trying to make a change in these communities and Ive been very blessed to be in this position and be able to make the kind of money I do and I have to help these people, Kaepernick said. I have to help these communities. Its not right that theyre not put in the position to succeed or given those opportunities to succeed.Earlier in the week, Boyer penned a letter to Kaepernick on ArmyTimes.com, a letter Kaepernick read and which spurred Kaepernick to invite Boyer to attend the game as a guest of him and the team.Boyer told ESPN that he and Kaepernick had never met before Thursday but he, Kaepernick and Reid had a productive conversation in which they exchanged their views and ideas on Kaepernicks stance and sought a way to be more respectful to the military during the anthem.Reid said he began thinking about joining Kaepernick earlier in the week and the pair had a number of conversations throughout the week. But Reid had reservations about sitting down and Kaepernick understood the anger it caused in people so the conversation with Boyer helped them find a middle ground.He saw that it hurt people that he sat during the national anthem, Reid said. There are people that actually put their lives on the line for this country to give us freedom. We talked for a couple days, to figure out a way to be more respectful of those people and the national anthem of the country while still maintaining the stance that there needs to be things done about these issues. And it was just today actually, a couple hours before the game, we were like, hey, why dont you take a knee and that way youre not isolated from the team, youre not sitting down during the national anthem, youre just changing your physical position, being more respectful to those people while still maintaining your stance on these issues.Nate agreed with that. Thats how it happened.Coach Chip Kelly told reporters after the game that he did not know Reid was planning to kneel with Kaepernick.I was not aware of that, Kelly said. All I was aware of was that Nate Boyer was going to be out there.Once the game got going, Kaepernick was greeted by boos from Chargers fans every time he stepped on the field. He led the Niners on a touchdown drive on the games opening possession and went on to go 11-of-18 for 103 yards with four carries for 38 yards.Kaepernick has been the subject of rumors about a possible departure from the Niners dating to the spring but made it clear after the game that he still views the 49ers as a franchise near and dear to his heart.This is a phenomenal organization, Kaepernick said. Ive had great conversations here. Ive had great memories here. This team has given me the opportunity to become the man I am today. Im grateful for that, Im thankful for that. And San Francisco has become my home.Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane also joined Kaepernicks protest, albeit up the coast in Oakland, taking a seat Thursday night during the anthem before a game against the Raiders.Ive had numbers of players [reach out], Kaepernick said. I think there are a lot of conversations happening not only in NFL locker rooms but around the country. Ive also had friends that arent on football teams say I respect what youre doing, I support you and Ive had more conversations about human rights and oppression and things that need to change in the last week than Ive had in my entire life. And the fact that those conversations are happening is a start.Lane said he was simply standing behind?Kaepernick but that he was prepared for a negative reaction.And I dont mean no disrespect to anybody, but Im just standing behind what I believe in,?Lane said.When Kaepernick left the field following pregame warm-ups, he was greeted with profanity and obscene gestures from Leo Uzcategui, a 20-year Navy veteran in a military-green Chargers jersey with quarterback Philip Rivers No. 17 in camouflage numbering.I was in the Navy, and I saw men and women bleed and die for this flag, Uzcategui said. If he wants to do something, go to some outreach program where he can do some good. And I get it, his First Amendment right. But you dont sit during the presenting of the colors, and you dont sit during the national anthem. That is not the way to do it.Domenique Banks, a 23-year-old fan from nearby Oceanside, California, got the quarterback to sign his Kaepernick jersey before the game.I told him I appreciate what he is standing up for, Banks said. He said he appreciated it. Most of the people I talk to say the same thing. I dont like that he is sitting during the national anthem, but I appreciate what he is standing for.One sign in the crowd read: Youre an American. Act like one.Information from ESPNs Paul Gutierrez and The Associated Press was used in this report.China Shoes Black Friday . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. Shoes Black Friday Deals 2020 . 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"I think its a good thing.CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cam Newton breaks into a smile, barely able to control his enthusiasm when thinking about the prospect of wide receiver Devin Funchess lining up opposite Kelvin Benjamin this season.Newton, the leagues MVP, may never have to worry about overthrowing another target again given the receiving corps the Panthers have assembled. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Funchess will replace Jerricho Cotchery in the starting lineup, giving Newton another huge target to go along with the 6-5, 250-pound Benjamin and 6-5, 255-pound tight end Greg Olsen in the passing game.Weve got something only God can give us: size, speed and strength, Newton said.Funchess never got to play with Benjamin in 2015. Benjamin tore his ACL in training camp, ending his season before it had a chance to begin. Funchess went on to catch 31 passes for 473 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie in a reserve role, helping the Panthers reach the Super Bowl and finish 17-2.With Benjamin coming back and Funchess stepping up, the Panthers didnt attempt to re-sign Cotchery.Coach Ron Rivera has described Funchess as being light years ahead of last season. He said Funchess is playing faster and with more confidence.Youre seeing what hes going to add to the offense, Rivera said. We saw that at the end of the year last year. Everybody was waiting for him, and then in midseason he kind of came into his own and made some things happen. By the end of the season, he got better and stronger, and thats what hes doing right now, getting stronger, learning the plays. Hes learning how to use that big body like Kelvin does.Funchess said he feels more comfortable with offensive coordinator Mike Shulas system enterring his second season.ddddddddddddIm just smoothing out my routes and learning how to use my hands to get off the ball and get separation, Funchess said.Newton, who is 6-5, 250 himself, expects both big receivers will play a huge role in 2016 as the Panthers try to build off a season in which they led the league in scoring.The wide receiver position has changed to a degree, Newton said. You look around the league and see Odell (Beckham), Antonio Brown, those quick little shifty guys. But having a Benji, having Fun(chess), having guys that are 6-5, 6-6 and are able to move and able to jump as well, and you know the average (defensive back) is probably 5-foot-9, 5-10, that size and girth is an edge for you.Funchess isnt afraid to get physical either.In practice Tuesday he took exception to rookie cornerback Daryl Worleys failed attempt to punch the ball out after Funchess hauled in a pass. When Worleys punch caught Funchess in the throat, the receiver wound up in a scuffle on the ground, unwilling to let go of Worleys facemask until coaches came into break them up.Rivera warned he doesnt want to see that in a game, but its pretty clear he likes the energy and physicality the 2015 second-round pick possesses.With Ted Ginn Jr., Philly Brown, Brenton Bersin, Stephen Hill, Kevin Norwood and Damiere Byrd all competing for roster spots at receiver, the Panthers have some tough decisions ahead further down the depth chart. Rivera doesnt seem to mind.Its a good group, Rivera said.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '