Nike recently made quite the headline with their online campaign, which was led by the controversial American athlete, Colin Kaepernick. He was further thrusted into the limelight in 2016 when he ignited a furore in his home country by choosing to kneel on one knee instead of standing while the national anthem was being played.
This has made him one of the more polarizing celebrities in America and it has been proven once again with the latest Nike ad.
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
The ad format is quite simple. A black and white photo of Colin looking straight at you with a strong message overlayed on top and the famous ‘Just do it’ tagline Nike is famous for.
The ad format quickly transpired into a viral meme on Twitter, where people copied the ad format by using a black and white photo of someone or a thing and adding a pop culture caption along it.
Like this one made by the Late Show with Stephen Colbert about Trump
Some of the new Nike ads seem a little off… pic.twitter.com/876y29OEGm
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) September 5, 2018
Or this one about the Stormtroopers which is insanely accurate
https://twitter.com/PissedTree/status/1037856276053676033
This could be my favourite
I am Groot #groot #iamgroot #nike #justdoit pic.twitter.com/ec3rAaqwIw
— robeRt (@xerobert) September 7, 2018
Of course someone had to use another comic book character, Thanos
Fun Fact: Thanos has more snaps in 2018 than Kaepernick does. #Nike pic.twitter.com/5nc1o0XYNU
— Deadpool (@ComedicMerc) September 5, 2018
If you watched the NBA last season, you’d totally understand this reference
Bruh, I can’t no more 😭😩 pic.twitter.com/uPxBA8DNWS
— Denzel Tucker (@Shimmy_Nupetron) September 5, 2018
A Game of Thrones reference had to be used
Nike's new sponsor 😂 pic.twitter.com/oeSIF8HNaC
— Jon Snow (@LordSnow) September 5, 2018
Nigerians added to the fun
This is the best so far. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/NOlQJ6zebD
— Suntalker 𖤐 (@Suntalkeredo) September 6, 2018
Kenyans also were not left out of the fun. They also started posting their own Nike ad memes from pop culture references.
Wow
Believe in something ….. pic.twitter.com/LwBZF5FOKS
— Droid (@droid254) September 6, 2018
Like this one from a viral video.
Stop wasting your good time. pic.twitter.com/iBp5wSQWUl
— Kafinyo (@NyokabiWainaina) September 6, 2018
This is also another statement from a viral video
Believe in something ….. pic.twitter.com/JwBU0APjUu
— Droid (@droid254) September 6, 2018
