https://youtu.be/-hIc_epqfI0
With the release of the new Nike ad featuring Colin Kaepernick, I’ve put together a little ode to my favourite Nike ads.
Kaepernick is the NFL American footballer that kneeled during the National Anthem at the start of games to protest against racial injustice after a series of events that led to the Black Lives Matter movement. It became a national story involving President Donald Trump who tweeted that NFL players should be either fired or suspended if they fail to stand up for the national anthem.
The story became about disrespecting the flag and anthem as well as the America military, missing Kaepernick’s point about his initial protest. Since opting out of his contract with the San Francisco 49’ers in March 2017, Kaepernick has since not been signed by any of the NFL franchises and has filed a grievance against the NFL, alleging that NFL owners colluded to keep him out of the league.
The new ad marks Nike’s 30th anniversary of its Just Do It slogan. It’s an interesting turn as the company supplies game-day uniforms and sideline apparel for the NFL’s 32 teams.
Here are 9 others with inspiring messages and some for fun. Sorry about all the basketball. They’re just the best ads!
NOTHING BEATS A LONDONER
A fun one about the trials and tribulations of kids in London taking on their sports.
Maybe It’s My Fault – Jordan
Here’s one for some inspiration from the GOAT. We all know about excuses.
Failure – Jordan
A follow up to the previous ad, on why failure is not a bad thing.
No Quit
Another basketball related one. Fairly long but well worth it. About not quitting, as you may have guessed from the title.
Look me in the eyes – Jordan
Finishing off the Jordan quadrilogy is one about fear and inner strength with some top music by Glasgow rockers, Mogwai.
What’s Your Motivation?
I’m not sure whom this is referring to. Maybe Steph Curry who I believe was previously a Nike athlete and was tipped by some not to succeed.
LeBron James – On Bikes
I’m not sure what this one is called but its a fun ad with the current greatest basketball player who appears in the Kaepernick ad opening his own school . He also called Trump a bum.
Choose Go
In a similar vein to Lebron’s ad, but to do with running. Nike’s ad to promote the Nike React shoes and showing that everyone can run.
https://youtu.be/6MgmbV5SbsA
Tip of the Hat – Derek Jeter
A lovely ad showing the respect for then retiring legendary New York Yankees captain with a myriad of New York’s finest, celebrities, sports stars and Nike athletes including one you may recognise from the ads above. With more Mogwai!