Colin Kaepernick is the face of the latest Nike advertising campaign — and some conservatives are calling for a Nike boycott, while others are posting photos and videos of themselves setting their Nike sneakers and apparel on fire.
On Labor Day, Nike debuted a new advertisement featuring Colin Kaepernick to promote the 30th anniversary of the company’s Just Do It campaign that is synonymous with the brand.
The ad features a black and white photo of the former NFL quarterback with text that reads: “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
Colin Kaepernick Just Do It Nike Ad
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
Some people are upset with Nike’s decision to make Kaepernick the face of its latest advertising campaign and are taking to Twitter with the hashtags #BoycottNike and #JustBurnIt.
Twitter reacts by burning Nike gear in protest
Some people are upset and angry with Nike’s decision to make Kaepernick the face of its latest advertising campaign and have gone as far as setting their Nike gear on fire to protest against the company.
“Due to your support of C.K. in your coming adds, I as an American can no longer support your company,” one Twitter user wrote in a video post showing himself burning pairs of Nike sneakers with the national anthem playing in the background.
.@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
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
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 how you going to endorse @Kaepernick7 a person that advertises socks with cops portrayed as pigs, a person that hasn’t played NFL for 2 years, well it’s good I never really spent money on your brand but to the money I did, here they are pic.twitter.com/oHFVgDnR4K
— Sebastian Blanco (@thasaviorBlanco) September 3, 2018
Burned my #Nike pic.twitter.com/62rQsXomRH
— Freemen4liberty (@Liberty4Freemen) September 3, 2018
In 2016, Kaepernick sparked a movement among professional athletes and celebrities when he took a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality.
Players around the NFL and other professional sports leagues began taking a knee during the pre-game national anthem to support Kaepernick’s movement and protest against police brutality. Since then, President Trump has criticized athletes for taking a knee during the anthem and has called for NFL owners to fine players who protest on the field during the anthem.
How much will Colin Kaepernick make from his Nike Just Do It deal?
Kaepernick, who is currently not signed to a team, has with Nike since 2011 — and the company has been “waiting for the right moment,” according to ESPN senior writer Darren Rovell.
“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,” Gino Fisanotti, Nike’s vice president of brand for North America, told ESPN.
“We wanted to energize its meaning and introduce ‘Just Do It’ to a new generation of athletes,” he added.
According to Yahoo NFL reporter Charles Robinson, Kaepernick will reportedly make “millions per year” from the Just Do It Nike deal. In a tweet, Robinson says Kaepernick will have his own branded line of sneakers and apparel and more, adding that the former NFL quarterback’s deal is considered a “star” deal which includes royalties on sales.
Details on Kaepernick and #Nike:
– It’s wide endorsement. He’s going to have his own branded line. Shoes, shirts, jerseys, etc. There will be Kaepernick apparel.
– Contract is a “star” deal on par with a top end #NFL player. Millions per year. Star deals also include royalties.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) September 3, 2018
