On Monday, Colin Kaepernick released his new ad with Nike, as part of the brand’s 30th anniversary of its “Just Do It” campaign.
The former quarterback-turned-activist signed with Nike back in 2011 and remained on the roster for the last few years. However, according to Yahoo’s Charles Robinson, Kaepernick’s team managed to secure a new deal with the brand, after pressure from other shoe companies.
Now, with the new deal, Kaepernick will have his own branded line, which will include “shoes, shirts, jerseys, etc. There will be Kaepernick apparel.” According to Robinson, the “contract is a ‘star’ deal on par with a top end NFL player. Millions per year. Star deals also include royalties.”
Despite the backlash over the campaign and Kaepernick’s silent protests against social injustices, the brand believed the message was worth it.
“We believe Colin is one of the most inspirational athletes of this generation, who has leveraged the power of sport to help move the world forward,” said Gino Fisanotti, Nike’s vice president of brand for North America said. ”We wanted to energize its meaning and introduce ‘Just Do It’ to a new generation of athletes.”
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