Monumental! Nike Backs NFL Rebel Colin Kaepernick With ‘Just Do It’ Campaign
The Nike – Colin Kaepernick collaboration is being seen as a major baller move on the brand’s part
In what is being seen as a major baller move, Nike has come together with Colin Kaepernick for the 30th anniversary of the iconic “Just Do It” motto. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback stirred mass debate and discussion by taking the knee (while the national anthem was being played) during the 2016 season – Kaepernick did so to protest the police killings that majorly appear to affect the African American community.
“We believe Colin is one of the most inspirational athletes of this generation, who has leveraged the power of sport to help move the world forward,” Nike executive Gino Fisanotti told ESPN. “We wanted to energize its meaning and introduce ‘Just Do It’ to a new generation of athletes.”
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
The American right, lead by US President Donald Trump have been staunch critics of Kaepernick. The 30-year-old has not been signed by any of the NFL teams since then and has even filed a collusion grievance against the owners, reports The Guardian.
The campaign has sent social media into a tizzy but then again, what doesn’t send Twitter into turmoil.
Racists are burning their Nike apparel. I wonder if they know Nike is the official outfitter of the NFL? The poetic justice in the new #JustDoIt campaign with Kaepernick is pure brilliance on Nike’s part.
— Dana Goldberg (@DGComedy) September 4, 2018
Sorry Nike, this is what it looks like to ACTUALLY sacrifice everything. #justdoit pic.twitter.com/19efcqAhuJ
— Drinkin’Bros Podcast (@Drinkin_Bros) September 4, 2018
Trump would have tweeted by now but he can’t spell Kaepernick.
Or Nike.
Or cat.#JustDoIt— Steve Marmel (@Marmel) September 4, 2018
Especially proud to be a part of the Nike family today. #justdoit pic.twitter.com/GAZtkAIwbk
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) September 4, 2018
Looks like Nike followed their brand’s tagline while taking this monumental decision because sometimes, you’ve just got to do it.