Just before the new NFL season kicks off, Nike is stirring up the political pot with its newest ad featuring one of the most polarizing NFL players, Colin Kaepernick.
On Nike’s 30th anniversary, the company revealed that former San Francisco 49ers quarterback will be the face of its newest campaign, commemorating its iconic slogan “Just Do It.” Along with Kaepernick, the campaign features athletes including Serena Williams, Shaquem Griffin, New York Giants star Odell Beckham Jr and more.
Kaepernick tweeted a photo from the campaign on Monday (September 3), which featured a black and white photo of him overlaid with text “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
Shortly after Nike unleased their newest ad, the sportswear company received a ton of backlash from people who were very disgruntled over the ad’s message and also sparked a boycott.
Our Soundman just cut the Nike swoosh off his socks. Former marine. Get ready @Nike multiply that by the millions. pic.twitter.com/h8kj6RXe7j
— John Rich (@johnrich) September 3, 2018
I will never, ever buy another @Nike product again. They just proved how anti American by hiring Kaepernick to represent them #BoycottNike pic.twitter.com/azmm5JAbP1
— 🇺🇸🇺🇸James Gun🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@Laser_KSG) September 4, 2018
Under Armour is a great American company that supports our military. So F*ck You Nike! I’ll never buy any of your poorly mad apparel again. #boycottnike
— Action Dan (@ActionDan247) September 3, 2018
First the @NFL forces me to choose between my favorite sport and my country. I chose country. Then @Nike forces me to choose between my favorite shoes and my country. Since when did the American Flag and the National Anthem become offensive? pic.twitter.com/4CVQdTHUH4
— Sean Clancy (@sclancy79) September 3, 2018
Unsurprisingly, President Donald Trump was also displeased with the Nike ad. Just days following the release, the POTUS jumped on Twitter to express his sentiments on the boycott and of course, the NFL. “Just like the NFL, whose ratings have gone WAY DOWN, Nike is getting absolutely killed with anger and boycotts. I wonder if they had any idea that it would be this way?” he wrote. “As far as the NFL is concerned, I just find it hard to watch, and always will, until they stand for the FLAG!”
Just like the NFL, whose ratings have gone WAY DOWN, Nike is getting absolutely killed with anger and boycotts. I wonder if they had any idea that it would be this way? As far as the NFL is concerned, I just find it hard to watch, and always will, until they stand for the FLAG!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2018
Despite the boycott and backlash, we cannot deny the powerful message and beauty behind the controversial ad. The message behind the campaign overcomes all of the negativity and simply serves as inspiration to viewers. Colin Kaepernick also unveiled a commercial featuring athletes of different races, ages, and genders.
“What non-believers fail to understand is that calling a dream “crazy” is not an insult, it’s a compliment.” Kaepernick says in the commercial as several athletes including LeBron James and Serena Williams are highlighted. “So don’t ask if your dreams are “crazy,” ask if you’re crazy enough.”
Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/x5TnU7Z51i
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 5, 2018
In 2016, Kaepernick was the first athlete to kneel during the national anthem before games to protest racial inequality and police brutality in the United States. Some accused Kaepernick and other players who protested with him of disrespecting the military and the American flag. In 2017, Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL, claiming the league conspiring against him to keep him out because of his protest.
Photo Credit: PR Photos