Nike started the conversation. How will the NFL respond?
Nike’s marketing has historically started conversations about tough subjects from ageism to Title IX and HIV. And its 30th-anniversary celebration of its “Just do it” tagline doesn’t stray from that tradition. The brand’s black-and-white, close-up photo of football player Colin Kaepernick, with the words “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything,” and the two-minute spot that ran during the first game of the NFL season ignited a social media firestorm.
In featuring Kaepernick, one of the most influential—and contentious— sports figures today, particularly with copy that shows a definitive display of support for him, Nike puts itself at odds with the NFL , an organization it has a partnership with until 2028. And to add fuel to the fire, Nike didn’t give the NFL a heads up about the Kaepernick ad, according to ESPN.
“Nike has a long-standing relationship with the NFL and works extensively with the league on all campaigns that use current NFL players and its marks,” said Sandra Carreon John, a spokesperson for Nike. “Colin is not currently employed by an NFL team and has no contractual obligation to the NFL or its marks.”
This story is from the September 10, 2018 edition of ADWEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 10, 2018 edition of ADWEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
News Anchor Of The Year Megyn Kelly
From Trump to ailes, the fox news personality fearlessly faces off with the powers that be—and ends up crushing the cable ratings race.
The Big Bang
Global consultancies are rocking the agency world, creating a new universe of offerings that meld marketing and technology.
DROGA5
Using the fingers on just one hand, David Droga argues, you can count the number of agencies that possess a “strong soul.”
Ogily
When it comes to leadership changes, 2016 will be remembered as a time of disruption.
The Myth of White Space
'Brands have to stand out in an obvious crowd—not stand alone in an unusual spot that no one cares about.'
Brand Phelps
Can the greatest olympian in history be as dominant out of the pool as he was in it?
Masters Of Their Domain
WHY DIGITAL BRANDS ARE KILLING IT IN ECOMMERCE. BY LAUREN JOHNSON
Winners' Playbook
BRANDS OFTEN FIND THAT WHEN THEY AIM TO DO GOOD, THEY ALSO END UP DOING WELL. HERE ARE FOUR RULES TO KEEP IN MIND. BY DAN TYNAN
Flipping The Disruption Script
THE FORTUNE 500 SHOULDN’T REST ON THEIR LAURELS OF HAVING A FIRST-TO- MARKET ADVANTAGE.
MCCann
All things old were new again in 2017 as McCann dominated the U.S. agency landscape with a string of wins and created the most-discussed campaign of the year in Fearless Girl.
