Nike is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its "Just Do It" slogan. To commemorate the milestone, they have called upon various athletes for the anniversary campaign. One such athlete is Colin Kaepernick.
Kaepernick and Nike began working together in 2011, shortly after he joined the NFL. The deal was close to its expiration date, but Nike recently chose to renew it for several years.
On Monday, the athletic apparel and shoe company debuted its 30th anniversary "Just Do It" campaign with an image of Kaepernick. It was first debuted on Kaepernick's personal Twitter.
Check it out.
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt https://t.co/SRWkMIDdaO— Colin Kaepernick (@Colin Kaepernick) 1536002445.0
The image is a close-up of the football player's face with the words,
"Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."
Nike will also produce Kaepernick apparel and will donate to his "Know Your Rights" campaign.
Many people are shocked at Nike's bold ad campaign, as many NFL fans are still angry at the former 49er's choice to kneel during the national anthem.
The NFL also partners with Nike. In fact, 32 teams sport their apparel on and off their field. In response to the ad, NFL spokeswoman, Sandra Carreon-John said,
"Nike has a longstanding relationship with the N.F.L. and works extensively with the league on all campaigns that use current N.F.L. players and its marks. Colin is not currently employed by an N.F.L. team and has no contractual obligation to the N.F.L."
But critics of Colin's protest are enraged. They have taken to destroying their Nike wear. This guy recorded himself burning his favorite Nike sneakers.
First the @NFL forces me to choose between my favorite sport and my country. I chose country. Then @Nike forces me… https://t.co/ZUqEd7ldUd— Sean Clancy (@Sean Clancy) 1536015369.0
The arsonist, Sean Clancy, a self proclaimed "Lover of Liberty", can be heard saying,
"Not only am I burning my favorite pair of Nikes, you're burning your sales. Have a good day."
But some people have noticed flaws in their boycotting technique.
Nike is a huge business. They’ve calculated risk. They may even have reason to believe this will make the brand mor… https://t.co/58iNwJIQoS— baseball knowing king chris long (@baseball knowing king chris long) 1536020370.0
@F3Moist @johnrich @Nike Nike has your money already and now you are ruining clothes that underprivileged kids could be using. What a hero.— Lance Becker (@Lance Becker) 1536016914.0
@sclancy79 @NFL @Nike Nike made Kap the face of their campaign The face of Under Armour told the POTUS he’s not vi… https://t.co/PTHV6aNaeR— Young Elliott (@Young Elliott) 1536020968.0
“I’m burning these shoes for you,” said the man in the MAGA hat to the shoeless veteran who’s medical benefits were… https://t.co/jQx2CQB19D— Mikel Jollett (@Mikel Jollett) 1536036140.0
Others are still in disbelief that this is even still an issue.
@johnrich @Nike One thing people should remember - our military fought wars so people can practice their 1st amendm… https://t.co/BlqtKo4BVO— Mary Moon (@Mary Moon) 1536015971.0
@sclancy79 @NFL @Nike They aren’t protesting the flag OR the anthem. People like you probably think Rosa Parks was protesting buses.— William LeGate (@William LeGate) 1536027440.0
@sclancy79 @NFL @Nike https://t.co/rd6AsObmt2— Teesa Rodham Clinton🐝🛩🚅🌉 (@Teesa Rodham Clinton🐝🛩🚅🌉) 1536070641.0
Excuse me while I go and buy all the Nikes I've been eyeing for the past 12 months.