Colin Kaepernick will be the face of Nike's 'Just Do It' campaign as the brand celebrate the 30th anniversary of the motto.
Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, made headlines in 2016 when he became one of the first to kneel during the US national anthem in protest of police killings of African-Americans.
The 30-year-old remains an unsigned agent and has not featured in a Nike campaign since leaving the NFL despite being backed by the brand since 2011.
The image, featuring the lines: 'Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.' was widely shared on social media on Monday.
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
There has been a divide in opinion since the unveiling, with some viewing it as the brand 'cashing in' on sensitive racial issues in the US.
Others have condemned Nike for backing Kaepernick, posted on Twitter were images of torn up or burnt Nike products in protest.
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
Colin Kaepernick (center) attends the Serena Williams vs. Venus Williams Women's Singles Round Three tennis match during the 2018 US Open. Image: Anthony Behar/SIPA USA/PA Images
On Tuesday's OTB AM, Eoin and Ger discussed the motivation behind Kaepernick's surprise inclusion and whether or not the brand should be praised for putting such a controversial figure at the forefront of their campaign.
