Nike's "Just Do It" ad narrated by Colin Kaepernick aired during Thursday's NFL season opener between the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles (8:20 p.m., NBC), the Associated Press reported.
The two-minute spot features a host of athletes, including LeBron James and Serena Williams. Kaepernick himself appears about 80 seconds in.
Related: WATCH: Colin Kaepernick stars in Nike's 'Just Do It' 30th anniversary commercial
Kaepernick tweeted the spot Wednesday, captioning it with his tagline, “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.”
Nike's deal with Kaepernick spurred social media critics, calling for a boycott of the athletics gear giant.
Related: Nike ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick sparks boycott
President Donald Trump weighed in Wednesday morning with a tweet calling out the NFL’s ratings and renewing his attack on players’ protests during the national anthem.
"Just like the NFL, whose ratings have gone WAY DOWN, Nike is getting absolutely killed with anger and boycotts. I wonder if they had any idea that it would be this way? As far as the NFL is concerned, I just find it hard to watch, and always will, until they stand for the FLAG!" the president wrote.
Related: Donald Trump Jr. replaces Kaepernick with president in Nike ‘Just Do It’ ad
Kaepernick was the first NFL player to kneel during the national anthem to call attention to racial inequality and police brutality against minorities.
Related: Colin Kaepernick face of Nike’s 30th anniversary ‘Just Do It’ ad campaign
Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since March 2017.
Nike spot's central theme is about athletes pushing for bigger dreams. The spot ends with the former 49ers quarterback walking off camera saying, "Don't ask if your dreams are crazy, ask if they're crazy enough."
About the Author
