‘A Bit Too Woke for Us’: Nike Ends $20 Million partnership with Colin Kaepernick
In a shockingly candid press release this morning, Nike, the global sportswear titan, announced the termination of its $20 million partnership with Colin Kaepernick. The reason? The former NFL quarterback is, in Nike’s own words, “perhaps a tad too woke for our tastes.”
Kaepernick, the man behind the controversial NFL kneeling movement, had been working closely with Nike since 2018. The partnership spawned memorable campaigns like “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” However, as it seems now, perhaps Kaepernick believed in “a little too much” for Nike’s comfort.
The word ‘woke’, originally African-American slang, has become a rallying cry in recent years. It indicates an acute awareness of social and political issues, especially around race. Kaepernick, in Nike’s perspective, seems to have taken wokeness to a whole new altitude – a bit too high for the comfort of the shoe giant’s boardroom.
The public reaction to Nike’s announcement has been a mix of shock, amusement, and, in some quarters, applause. While many lauded Kaepernick’s continued commitment to being ‘extra woke’, others appreciated Nike’s candor. Tommy Trendy, a fashion influencer on Instagram, noted, “I’ve always said fashion should make a statement. But if your statement is ‘don’t wear shoes’ while promoting a shoe brand, things might get a bit…tangled.”
Kaepernick, not one to be deterred, is rumored to be on the verge of launching his own brand. Early reports suggest it might be named “Kaeptain Barefoot”, a line of ethereal, invisible footwear for the ultra-woke. His spokesperson released a statement saying, “Colin remains committed to challenging norms and breaking boundaries. Whether that means partnering with giants like Nike or floating above the ground for justice, he’s up for it.”
Nike, on the other hand, is rumored to be eyeing a partnership with someone slightly less revolutionary. Sources hint they might be in talks with Bob, the man who stands at the corner of 5th Street holding up a sign that says, ‘Will stand for shoes.’
All we can say is, in the world of endorsements and partnerships, it’s never just black and white. Or in this case, shoe or no shoe. Stay tuned for what promises to be a footloose and fancy-free future.
