Colin Kaepernick New Face Of Nike Campaign
Sep 6, 2018, 12:14 AM | Updated: 5:33 pm
Nike created quite the buzz earlier this week when it was announced that NFL free agent Colin Kaepernick would be the face of the footwear giant’s 30th anniversary of the company’s “Just Do It” slogan ad campaign.
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
Kaepernick, who has made major headlines for his on-field kneeling during the national anthem, is also suing the league’s owners for colluding to keep him off an NFL roster.
As one could imagine, Nike’s decision to feature Kaepernick on its campaign created a social media firestorm. Some voiced their support for the campaign and for the former 49ers quarterback.
Thank you @Nike for just doing it. #CapitalismWithAConscious pic.twitter.com/rIpKfDAJ5V
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) September 5, 2018
Others were outraged and even cut the famous Nike swoosh logo out of their clothing and shoes.
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
On Wednesday Nike unveiled their first commercial spot featuring a voiceover by Kaepernick.
Don’t ask if your dreams are crazy. Ask if they’re crazy enough. #justdoit pic.twitter.com/Wd5L42egV8
— Nike (@Nike) September 5, 2018
Local Reaction
Some local athletes, including Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando, voiced their support for the campaign and for the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback.
#JustDoIt @Nike pic.twitter.com/sZoFalFEcF
— Nick Rimando (@NickRimando) September 5, 2018
Jazz center Rudy Gobert offered a solution to those who were destroying their Nike products.
How about giving them to the thousands of homeless veterans you pretend to care about? https://t.co/6m2jj6FBZf
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) September 5, 2018
Jazz fan Clint Peterson did just what Gobert suggested, earning a retweet from the Defensive Player of the Year.
Care bag for a veteran ready to go out. Now, to go find a veteran in need of it. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/iATAMLI1Rp
— Clint Peterson (@Clintonite33) September 4, 2018
This is only the beginning for Nike’s partnership with Kaepernick. Conflicting reports suggest that Kaepernick-endorsed apparel and shoes could be on their way.
