Nike unveils lengthy Kaepernick spot

Nike is not backing off its polarizing Colin Kaepernick campaign. The company is amping it up with a new call-to-action spot that will air during the NFL opener Thursday night on NBC. The sportswear giant today released a two-minute-long video "Dream Crazy" narrated by Kaepernick as part of its controversial effort. In addition to running during this week's Thursday Night Football telecast, it will appear during coverage of the U.S. Open, Major League Baseball games and college football games, according to a Nike spokesman. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback encourages consumers to dream as he showcases recognizable athletes such as LeBron James and Serena Williams alongside others including Megan Blunk, a wheelchair basketball player, and Isaiah Bird, a wrestler who does not have legs. "What non-believers fail to understand is that calling a dream crazy is not an insult—it's a compliment," Kaepernick says in the spot. He closes with the mantra that first appeared in his marketing for Nike on Monday: "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything." The new ad, created by Wieden & Kennedy, is part of Nike's 30-year-old "Just Do It" campaign. Kaepernick's inclusion in the push has received backlash from some consumers, who equate it with the sportswear giant's support of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem. Some experts have said the decision could help bolster Nike with younger consumers such as millennials and Gen Z who are eager to buy a brand that stands for something. Kaepernick tweeted the new ad today to his nearly 2 million followers. Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/x5TnU7Z51i See Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, Endeavor Chief Marketing Officer Bozoma Saint John, Girlboss CEO Sophia Amoruso and Oath "digital prophet" David Shing offer a wide range of views over the horizon at Ad Age Next, our biggest annual event, taking place this year at New World Stages in New York on Nov. 13 and 14. Get all the info here and join us in November.

Nike unveils lengthy Kaepernick spot

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