Matt Harrelson
When I heard that Nike was featuring NFL free agent and activist Colin Kaepernick on its 30th anniversary "Just Do It" advertisement, I was genuinely surprised. I can't believe Nike is willing to take a political stance.
The zoom on Kaepernick's unwavering act is rigid and gives the ad an intimidating feels. The words "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything" are plastered across his face.
The quote encompasses Kaepernick's personal journey over the past two years. He began kneeling during the National Anthem in the 2016 preseason to protest racial injustices against African-Americans.
Those who look down on Kaepernick typically consider him a polarizing and ungrateful athlete. Since igniting the kneeling phenomenon, he rarely makes public appearances. He simply used his platform as an athlete to allow his actions to speak for him.
Whether you support Kaepernick or not, you have to recognize his unwillingness to let society define him. He doesn't let the outside world put words in his mouth.
An American brand, Nike thrives off worldwide revenue. It will not take a big economic hit through this campaign.
Homemade clips featuring Nike customers burning their products circulated last week throughout social media. I understand peoples' desire to show their displeasure with Nike. However, these disgruntled folks already purchased the products being burned, so what's the point? If trashing your own shoes makes you feel better about the situation, more power to you. The damage was done as soon as the purchase was made.
On May 24, NFL owners unanimously approved a national anthem policy that requires players to stand if they are on the field during the performance. Players who do not wish to stand may choose to remain in the locker room. However, the NFL and its players' union put a halt to the policy July 20 as the two sides continue to debate the issue.
The ad will create turmoil between Nike and the NFL, as Nike is the official supplier of uniforms and apparel for the NFL's 32 teams. Kaepernick has been a free agent in the NFL since March 2017 and accused the league and its team owners of colluding to not hire him in November of that year.
By choosing to feature Kaepernick, Nike's goal isn't to boost sales. Instead, it allowed the company to choose a side in the "Kaepernick versus NFL" debacle, giving the athlete another platform to voice his views.
