Nike Incites Controversy By Making Colin Kaepernick Face of New Campaign

If Nike’s goal was to spark controversy, the popular athletic apparel manufacturer just did it.

With less than a week remaining before the kickoff of the NFL season, Nike had quarterback-turned-lightning rod Colin Kaepernick reveal he was the face of the company’s new “Just Do It” advertising campaign with a Monday afternoon Twitter post.

Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO

— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018

Kaepernick, who has yet to find work as a quarterback after becoming a free agent, has been a controversial figure because of his social justice protests during the National Anthem. The former 49er is in the midst of a collusion lawsuit against the NFL.

The campaign, which marks the 30th anniversary of Nike introducing its famous motto, was immediately met with backlash, and burnings, because of Kaepernick’s involvement.

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

.@Nike Due to your support of C.K. in your coming adds, I as an American can no longer support your company. #boycottNike #IStandForOurFlag pic.twitter.com/5JxSMD8SSO

— AlterAtYeshiva (@alteratyeshiva) September 4, 2018

https://twitter.com/boudreau_dr/status/1036717126277636096

Wish I owned some Nike I could burn. https://t.co/UJ504kwxJ5

— Nick Sigur (@nsigur) September 4, 2018

Regardless of the fallout, Nike, unlike any quarterback-needy team in the NFL, is sticking with Kap.

“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.”

The campaign, which also features Odell Beckham, Shaquem Griffin, Lacey Baker, Serena Williams, and LeBron James, is meant to target 15- to 17-year old customers.