In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, the issue of social justice has become increasingly prominent in the public eye. One of the most well-known figures in this fight for justice is former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who famously took a knee during the national anthem in protest of police brutality. So when Nike announced a partnership with Kaepernick back in 2018, it seemed like a natural fit. But then, just a few days later, Nike abruptly ended the partnership, leaving many to wonder: did Nike drop Kaepernick? In this article, we will explore the events surrounding Nike’s decision, as well as the aftermath of the controversy.
Did Nike Drop Kaepernick?
No, Nike did not drop Colin Kaepernick. Nike chose to stand by its sponsorship of the controversial NFL player. The company released a statement saying they “believe in the power of sport to help move the world forward.” Nike has continued to feature Kaepernick’s likeness in their ongoing “Just Do It” ad campaign.
Nike and Colin Kaepernick: Did Nike Drop Kaepernick?
In September 2018, Nike unveiled their ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick. The campaign drew both praise and criticism, with many people wondering if Nike was committed to the former NFL quarterback.
Kaepernick’s Protest
Kaepernick first protested police brutality and racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem in 2016. He has since become a symbol for social justice and activism.
Nike’s Campaign
Nike’s campaign was released on Labor Day 2018. The video featured Kaepernick’s face with the text “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.” The campaign was met with mixed reactions and sparked debate about Kaepernick’s role in the NFL and with Nike.
Questions About Nike and Kaepernick’s Relationship
The campaign raised questions about the strength of Nike’s commitment to Kaepernick. Many people began to wonder if Nike was actually supporting Kaepernick or if they were simply taking advantage of the controversy.
The Future of Nike and Kaepernick
Nike and Kaepernick have both remained committed to their partnership, with Kaepernick continuing to appear in Nike ads and the company releasing new products featuring his name. However, it remains to be seen if Nike will continue to support Kaepernick in the long-term.
Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What did Nike do to support Colin Kaepernick?
Nike signed Colin Kaepernick to a multi-year endorsement deal in 2018. This was a revolutionary move, as Nike was the first major brand to show support for the former NFL quarterback’s social justice activism. As part of the deal, Nike released the iconic “Just Do It” advertising campaign which featured a portrait of Kaepernick with the words “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.” The campaign was praised for its bravery and boldness in standing by Kaepernick’s message of justice and equality.
Q2. Did Nike drop Kaepernick?
No, Nike has not dropped Colin Kaepernick. In fact, the company continues to stand by him and his message, and has released several new products related to his activism. Most recently, Nike launched a new line of shoes and apparel with the slogan “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.” The line was released in honor of the two-year anniversary of Kaepernick’s original endorsement deal.
Q3. Why did Nike choose to support Kaepernick?
Nike chose to support Colin Kaepernick because they believe in his message of justice and equality. The company has long been committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive culture, and they saw Kaepernick as someone who could help lead the charge. By signing him to an endorsement deal, Nike was sending a powerful message that they are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
Q4. What has been the reaction to Nike standing behind Kaepernick?
The reaction to Nike standing behind Colin Kaepernick has been overwhelmingly positive, both from the public and within the company. Many people have praised Nike for taking a stand and showing that they are willing to stand behind their beliefs despite potential backlash. People have also praised Nike for using their platform to support such a powerful message of justice and equality.
Q5. How has Nike continued to support Kaepernick?
Nike has continued to support Colin Kaepernick in a variety of ways. In addition to the original endorsement deal, Nike has released several products related to his activism, such as the “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything” line. Nike has also been vocal in its support of Kaepernick on social media and in public statements.
Q6. What is the future of Nike and Kaepernick?
The future of Nike and Colin Kaepernick looks bright. The company has shown its commitment to supporting Kaepernick and his message of social justice, and it appears that the two will continue to work together for the foreseeable future. Nike has also been vocal about its commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse culture, and it appears that Kaepernick will remain at the forefront of that effort.
Nike’s decision to drop Colin Kaepernick is a complex one that has sparked debates and controversy around the world. While Nike’s actions may have been wrong, it is important to understand the context of the decision in order to make an informed opinion. Ultimately, the decision to drop Kaepernick is something that will be debated for years to come, and the weight of its impact has yet to be felt.
