Colin Kaepernick being featured in new Nike campaign sparks debate

Nike’s new ad, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of their “Just Do It” campaign, features Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers who began to protest racial injustice and police brutality by refusing to stand during the national anthem. Kaepernick revealed his role in the campaign in a tweet on Sept. 3, that was subsequently retweeted by Nike’s corporate Twitter account.

Nike has experienced backlash as well as praise in regards to their decision in making Kaepernick one of the new faces of the Nike brand. 

Other athletes involved in the campaign include Serena Williams, Odell Beckham Jr. and Shaquan Griffin.

Initially, Kaepernick remained seated during the national anthem. However, he eventually chose to kneel rather than sit, after speaking with Nate Boyer, a veteran for the U.S. military and former NFL player for the Seattle Seahawks. The decision to kneel rather than sit is what sparked the #TakeAKnee movement.

"We were talking to him about how we can get the message back on track and not take away from the military, not take away from pride in our country but keep the focus on what the issues really are," Kaepernick said in a postgame press conference after the game on Sept. 1, 2016. "As we talked about it, we came up with taking a knee because there are issues that still need to be addressed and there was also a way to show more respect for the men and women that fight for this country."

"Once again, I'm not anti-American," Kaepernick said. "I love America. I love people. That's why I'm doing this. I want to help make America better. I think having these conversations helps everybody have a better understanding of where everybody is coming from. Those conversations are important to have because the better we understand each other, the better we know each other, the better we can deal and communicate with each other which ultimately makes everyone, puts everybody in a better position."

The 49ers issued a statement about Kaepernick's decision which said, "The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem."

The video ad, which features Kaepernick and other athletes both known and unknown, has reached over 25 million views on YouTube.