Nike announced its “Just Do It” ad campaign on Monday, featuring former NFL player and original anthem protester Colin Kaepernick. News of the campaign comes only days before the kickoff of the 2018 NFL regular season.
Nike tweeted:
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
However, this news was not welcome to all. Specifically, to fans who believe Colin Kaepernick has disrespected law enforcement, the military, the flag, anthem, and just about everything that makes America great.
As a result, some fans took to Twitter and took out their frustrations on their Nike gear:
.@Nike Due to your support of C.K. in your coming adds, I as an American can no longer support your company. #boycottNike #IStandForOurFlag pic.twitter.com/5JxSMD8SSO
— AlterAtYeshiva (@alteratyeshiva) September 4, 2018
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
Big & Rich singer John Rich tweeted a picture of a pair of socks with the Nike swoosh cut out:
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
Some went a different route:
Yes. I will just do it. #BoycottNike pic.twitter.com/iG8bWbBAVp
— Superman (@Catholic2011) September 3, 2018
Boycott Nike. #BoycottNike pic.twitter.com/5NhfFm5ykT
— Wayne Jones (@waynebjones123) September 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/Dancingdaria/status/1036786911581364224
And of course, there were reminders about apparel worn by Kaepernick – the face of Nike – in the past:
Remember this. So do I !#boycottnike pic.twitter.com/OVHfk49yT1
— John McCloskey (@_jump101465) September 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/snkrszn/status/1036744758872481792
Plus, reminders of athletes who truly sacrificed:
This would of been epic. #Nike #JustDoIt #JustBlewIt #BoycottNike pic.twitter.com/P7qyUCE28q
— Andy Kaufman (@akamanonthemoon) September 4, 2018
Hey @Nike, this is what it looks like when you “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.” #BoycottNike pic.twitter.com/Uh2nJlNG1R
— ADHD Capital LLC ™ (@ADHD_Capital) September 4, 2018
Others were more direct:
I’ve had these kicks forever!
Not anymore #boycottNike pic.twitter.com/faliNgJpMG— “Giving Infinity” (@musenull) September 4, 2018
#boycottnike Sacrificing Everything pic.twitter.com/fg3IcrOpwP
— Yan Chabot (@yan_chabot) September 3, 2018
Youvand your knud dont buy enough shoes or compete in sports. Come out in between the white lines & talk RT @CA4MAGAandKAG: @ClayTravis Indeed. I'll never buy another @Nike product. He's going to kill Nike like he killed the @NFL. #BoycottNike #BoycottNFL https://t.co/cGGIrq9Nyx
— OneNeckTwoChains (@InTheBasement86) September 3, 2018
Some even suggested a new ad man for the next campaign:
As for me & my house…we will support this role model & @Reebok !@JJWatt #ByeNike #BoycottNike @Nike pic.twitter.com/gbwZ6etu7p
— Barbara Leon (@CoachLeon11) September 3, 2018
Kaepernick is still not on an NFL roster and his collusion grievance against the NFL is soon to move to the trial phase.
Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter @themightygwinn
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