Nike Chooses Colin Kaepernick As The Face Of Their 30th Anniversary 'Just Do It' Campaign

Sep 10, 2018 by apost team

Just three short days before the NFL season kicks off, Nike has revealed that the 30th anniversary of the “Just Do It” Campaign features a familiar face: the controversial quarterback who decided to take a knee during the national anthem to protest racial inequality as well as police brutality in this country, Colin Kaepernick.

The unsigned quarterback is currently a free agent. His last contract was with the San Fransisco 49ers in 2016. His career in the NFL lasted six entire seasons until he decided to use his voice to speak up against social issues. Kaepernick decided to take a knee during the national anthem to protest current issues in the world, such as racial injustices pushed to the forefront by recent issues with police brutality.

Although he has been a free agent since March of last year, he remains without a new contract.

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The Nike campaign was revealed on Monday, and there has been much controversy about the images. Kaepernick’s motives are placed blatantly on the forefront of the campaign. The photographs feature a black and white close-up of the quarterback’s face with the quote “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”

Despite controversy about the outspoken athlete, Nike has had a contract with Kaepernick since 2011 and never took him off, regardless of his working status. Kaepernick also took the initiative to file a grievance against those who run the NFL, stating that they were colluding against him to not hire him because of how much controversy he brings when he talks about issues of race and inequality in this country.

Kaepernick’s peaceful protest of taking a knee inspired other players to do the same thing, sparking a nationwide controversy and outrage between NFL owners, fans, and even the president, Donald Trump. Trump stands by the position that all players should have to stand for the anthem, and if they don’t, he believes they should not have the privilege to be on the field.

Vice President Mike Pence even left a football game he was attending because some players used their right to a peaceful protest by taking a knee like Kaepernick.

In response to all of the commotion, the NFL policy has changed as of last May. Players in the league are now allowed to remain in the locker room during the national anthem, but those who took the chance to take a knee or protest during the event on-field would face disciplinary action.

Since Nike unveiled their new campaign, reactions have been completely mixed in nature.

Some people appreciate that Nike stands with player’s rights to a peaceful protest, while others are appalled. People are even going as far as to burn and cut up their Nike gear in response to the photos, posting videos of them destroying the company's gear.

What do you think about Nike’s promotional photographs with Colin Kaepernick? Will you still be purchasing Nike?