Kaepernick is the New Face of Nike

On 3 September 2018, Colin Kaepernick and Nike made it public that Kaepernick will be the face of  Nike. Social media was going crazy about it, some saying it was a good move for both Nike and Colin, while others were very upset with the move. Kaepernick was off the map for a little bit after he lost his job, and once the announcement was made, all the talk was back on him.

On 26 August 2016, before the 49ers preseason game against the Packers, Kaepernick decided to kneel while the anthem was being played. Two weeks later, before a game against the Chargers, Kaepernick was joined by teammate Eric Reid while kneeling for the anthem. From there on out, more and more players started protesting the anthem, some kneeling, and others just putting their fist up. There was a lot of talk, with even the President putting in his two cents. Athletes supported Kaepernick by posting on social media or talking about it to the press. Two years later, after losing his job and not being able to find anywhere else to play, Colin and Nike made a big statement, which had a ton of people talking.

Some students around the school support Colin, and others are extremely frustrated.

“Yeah, it bothers me because Kaep degrades cops and idolizes Fidel Castro who murdered millions, and kneeling for the anthem has nothing to do with getting rights,” senior Seth Wagner said.

Wagner also talked about how he will not be buying Nike clothing until Kaepernick isn’t the face, but will wear what he already has bought.

“[I wouldn’t kneel] because I don’t support Kaepernick or anyone in any league that does it; I lose respect for them,” junior Max Lafranchise said. “I do believe it was the best decision Nike has made though; their stocks have gone up higher than ever.”

Kaepernick still does not have a job, but other players like Eric Reid continue to support Kaep by kneeling for the anthem pregame.  Many players from all sports, like LeBron James, show support by wearing shirts with similar messages before games or talking to the public in support of Colin.