Former American footballer Colin Kaepernick is to become the new face of sports brand Nike.
He is to front a 'Just do it' campaign, along with the slogan "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything".
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
Kaepernick is a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
He sparked controversy in 2016 by kneeling during the US national anthem to draw attention to racial injustice.
Gino Fisanotti, Nike's vice president of brand for North America, told ESPN: "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.
"We wanted to energize its meaning and introduce 'Just Do It' to a new generation of athletes."
Other players followed suit, refusing to stand for the US national anthem, but the protest has divided the country.
Colin Kaepernick | File photo
Kaepernick has not been signed by any National Football League (NFL) team since his protest spread.
The NFL has since said that personnel who choose not to stand for the US national anthem may stay in the locker room or in a similar location "off the field" until after the anthem has been performed.
It also said a club would face a fine if its players on the field did not stand.
The issue also sparked the anger of US President Donald Trump, suggesting players who kneel to protest should get "no pay".
The NFL National Anthem Debate is alive and well again - can’t believe it! Isn’t it in contract that players must stand at attention, hand on heart? The $40,000,000 Commissioner must now make a stand. First time kneeling, out for game. Second time kneeling, out for season/no pay!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2018
Another star of the Nike campaign, tennis player Serena Williams, expressed her support for Kaepernick.
Especially proud to be a part of the Nike family today. #justdoit pic.twitter.com/GAZtkAIwbk
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) September 4, 2018
