The NFL season is now underway as the Philadelphia Eagles battle it out against the Atlanta Falcons, a rematch from last year's postseason. The league implemented a new helmet rule that prevents players from lowering their helmet to create contact when tackling. This has been called a lot already in the preseason.
In other news, Nike recently made Colin Kaepernick the face of their 30th anniversary campaign. A commercial is also scheduled to air during the season opener on Thursday (September 6). The commercial has already been revealed but viewers will get to see it during the broadcast.
The risk
It is surely a bold statement for Nike to side with Kaepernick after the polarizing backlash against him for kneeling during the national anthem, which caused outcry among fans, veterans, and the like. According to ESPN's Darren Rovell, Nike has been paying Kaepernick all along and waiting for the right moment.
Gino Fisanotti, Nike's vice president of brand for North America, also had this to say: "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." Nike is surely behind its message, no matter what others may think.
Colin Kaepernick also tweeted out the announcement on his account on September 3.
Many athletes have come out in support, including LeBron James, Serena Williams, and more.
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
Outcry from fans
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
Many NFL fans and owners of Nike apparel have already made a statement by burning their sneakers, gear, and promising that they will no longer be buying the brand.
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
.@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
Exiled from the league
According to Sports Illustrated, Kaepernick started protesting the national anthem in August 2016 and still has no job despite being better than at least half of the players at that position.
While other NFL players chose to kneel along with him, Kaepernick is the one at the center of the debate.
Colin Kaepernick sued the NFL in response, believing team owners have spoken to each other and agreed not to have him in the league because it hurts their bottom line as a result. If you don't want to wait until the live broadcast to see the new ad, it can be viewed in the tweet below.
Despite what many may think about the situation, the player has donated his time and money to many great causes and has helped the community. According to Bleacher Report, the narrator makes a powerful statement, saying: "Dont ask if your dreams are crazy, ask if they're crazy enough."
Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/x5TnU7Z51i
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 5, 2018