Nike unveils first commercial featuring Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick in Nike commerical. — (Image credit: Screenshot/YouTube/Nike)

Nike has released its first full-length commercial featuring Colin Kaepernick.

In the spot, which was released on YouTube on Wednesday, Kaepernick encourages viewers to dream big and "crazy," highlighting the stories of a number of inspiring athletes like LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Shaquem Griffin. While standing in front of a waving American flag projected onto the side of a building, Kaepernick then says, "Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything."

The phrase appeared on an ad posted Monday on Twitter, in the company's announcement that it would be teaming up with the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback for its latest "Just Do It" campaign. The phrase is the only reference, albeit an oblique one, to Kaepernick's activism and the ensuing fallout. Kaepernick is currently in the middle of suing the NFL, alleging that the league's owners have colluded to keep him from being hired after he pioneered football players kneeling during the national anthem in protest of police brutality and racism.

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Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.