NIKE, The world’s largest shoe and apparel brand, which got the attention of the world by utilizing the quarterback-turned-activist in advertisements published on social channels on Monday, is scheduled to debut a “Just Do It” commercial during the NFL’s regular-season opener featuring the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles on NBC on Thursday night.
The ad is voiced by Kaepernick and features him, along with NBA star LeBron James, tennis champion Serena Williams, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and skateboarder Lacey Baker, and inspirational athletes such as NFL linebacker Shaquem Griffin, wheelchair basketball player Megan Blunk, boxer Zeina Nassar and legless wrestler Isaiah Bird.
A strong move in light of Colin Kaepernick being in litigation with the NFL. NIKE won & secured its hold in March to be the supplier for official uniforms and apparel for the NFL until 2028. Looks like NIKE is doubling down in the face of a small number of Americans turning their backs on the brand. NIKE stock saw marginal movement when many investors who don’t seem to understand the core of the brand feared the worst.