A former NFL quarterback has been selected as the face of Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign for its 30-year anniversary.
Colin Kaepernick Tweeted the first image from this year’s campaign Monday afternoon.
“Believe in something,” he said. “Even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt”
Kaepernick started the NFL’s National Anthem protest controversy by kneeling for the Anthem in 2016. Players who have joined in the protest say that it is about recognizing unfair treatment of minorities by police.
In August of the same year, Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers in the same month, and has been jobless ever since.
But many NFL fans saw it as a sign of disrespect to the brave men and women who serve our nation each day. Fans launched a boycott of the league, which saw a ratings drop of about 10% in the 2017-2018 season.
Those same Americans are lashing out at the Nike brand.
“Only thing he has ‘landed’ in awhile. Good to know Nike supports an ‘oppressed’ crybaby who hates America. #smh” wrote conservative figure Tomi Lahren.
“Hey @nike “sacrificing everything’ to ‘believe in something’ is dying while serving your country to defend all our freedoms. It isn’t getting paid millions to star in your advertising campaign. Pathetic,” said hybrid sports and political commentator Clay Travis.
“This is what it looks like to sacrifice everything. I support your protest, but let us be cautious with our words. There is no tomorrow for these men and women, you have the rest of your life in front of you. They died nameless, in a fight most have forgotten, for you,” said retired Navy SEAL Andy Stumpf.
The outrage will likely spill over into a campaign to boycott Nike, with many already Tweeting the hashtag.