Over Labor Day weekend, Nike released a 30th anniversary ad of the “Just Do It” campaign, featuring none other than the washed up Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick, the new face of Nike, is pictured proudly with the slogan, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” Seriously?
It goes without mentioning that Kaepernick’s short-lived career in the NFL was anything but successful. Oh, and let’s not forget that since his little feelings were hurt after not being re-signed this year, he thought it best to sue the NFL for damages and collusion not to higher him. Maybe he should take a look at his stats before wasting his money in a legal battle to make himself feel better about his lack of athleticism.
But, wait! Money is surely not an issue for Colin Kaepernick after signing his million dollar deal with Nike. The “social justice warrior” has made bank after exercising his First Amendment right’s by kneeling for the Nation Anthem.
So, were the words “sacrificing” and “everything” really appropriate words to use for campaign they chose Kaepernick to be the face of? What has he sacrificed? Playing time he wasn’t getting in the first place?
If Nike wanted to use such a powerful slogan, maybe they should’ve considered the face of an actual American hero like Pat Tillman. While his photo has been circulating in social media recently, it is imperative to note that he actually sacrificed everything. He gave up his position with the Cardinals (that had a better record than Kaepernick – just saying) after the 9/11 attacks to fight for his country, where he lost his life. If anyone deserves to be the poster child for a slogan about sacrifice, it’s him.
But, instead, Nike would rather glorify a spineless kid like Colin Kaepernick who doesn’t have decency to pay respect to the men and women who have died to give him the right to exercise Freedom of Speech.
I’m quite confident that Adidas and Under Armour are thankful for this publicity stunt put on by Nike. The company has already lost over $4 billion dollars in a few short days with their approval rating continuing to drop. This ad has done exactly what they wanted it to do – get people talking. Nike is in the news now more than ever. While I don’t plan to be burning any of my old Nikes, you can best bet they will not be getting another dollar of mine.