Sports brand giants Nike have released their ad campaign celebrating the 30th anniversary of their motto “Just Do It” with the faces of the ad campaign being popular athletes who have done remarkable work in their profession and society.
Awesome new Nike “Just Do It” ads pic.twitter.com/JFaAfm3ize
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 3, 2018
The campaign features popular names like tennis champion Serena Williams, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Olympic gold-medalist Caster Semenya, NFL players Odell Beckham Jr. and Shaquem Griffin - a rookie linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks whose left hand was amputated when he was a child.
Especially proud to be a part of the Nike family today. #justdoit pic.twitter.com/GAZtkAIwbk
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) September 4, 2018
A few American Twitter users took to the social media application to send their support or criticism of Kaepernick being the face of the ad campaign.
A post shared by Dawn Riziti(@dawnriziti) on Sep 3, 2018 at 3:13pm PDT
First the @NFL forces me to choose between my favorite sport and my country. I chose country. Then @Nike forces me to choose between my favorite shoes and my country. Since when did the American Flag and the National Anthem become offensive? pic.twitter.com/4CVQdTHUH4
— Sean Clancy (@sclancy79) September 3, 2018
Colin Kaepernick made a guaranteed $39 million in the NFL. Now he’s pocketing more money in a Nike ad because he knelt on a football field. That’s “sacrificing everything?!” Disrespectful to our military members who’ve truly sacrificed everything. pic.twitter.com/wT7L0XSZX9
— Britt McHenry (@BrittMcHenry) September 3, 2018
Our Soundman just cut the Nike swoosh off his socks. Former marine. Get ready @Nike multiply that by the millions. pic.twitter.com/h8kj6RXe7j
— John Rich (@johnrich) September 3, 2018
Nike placed @Kaepernick7 on an ad and the unseasoned are really in their feelings. pic.twitter.com/ArBVCuZufB
— CorEy-spondent (@CoreyPTownsend) September 3, 2018
Imagine burning your Nike shoes because their new ad is in support of Colin Kaepernick; after YOU'VE gave them your money. Loooooool, take the L.
— E (@EOmibeku) September 4, 2018
American celebrities and fellow athletes have also posted their support for the NFL athlete over his campaign, as well as the appearances of the other African-American and African athletes.
The new @Nike ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick is beautiful, powerful and inspiring. I love it. https://t.co/fIo8lFBFpZ pic.twitter.com/tyBZFvXhS3
— COMMON (@common) September 3, 2018
Oh sh*t @Nike done stepped in it now!!! Sanctions tbd!!!
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) September 4, 2018
#IMWITHKAP https://t.co/Ed0sfhGaGO
— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) September 3, 2018
Kaepernick made the headlines back in 2016 when he knelt during the American national anthem as a sign of protest against police brutality.
His protest led to a countrywide protest done by fellow NFL players, US army veterans and fellow celebrities. The protest also led to a major increase in Kaepernick's football jersey sales.
Serena Williams has been in the news recently with Nike over her black catsuit designed by the brand, which she wore to the French Open, where the head of the French Open responded by subsequently banning the catsuit.
A post shared by nike(@nike) on Aug 24, 2018 at 9:32pm PDT
Williams responded to the banning by wearing tennis dresses with a mini tulle skirt - which came from her collaboration with Nike and fashion designer Virgil Abloh.
Twirling into Friday!! ✨ #USOpen @usopen pic.twitter.com/ypVIek40uc
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) August 30, 2018
Williams had announced towards the end of August that she and Abloh would be working together to release a collection of athleisure wear in collaboration with Nike and Abloh's brand Off-White.
A post shared by Serena Williams(@serenawilliams) on Aug 13, 2018 at 10:50am PDT
Williams already has her own clothing brand out called 'Serena' which she launched earlier in the year.
A post shared by Serena(@serena) on Aug 9, 2018 at 5:55am PDT