We’ve all been sitting on the sidelines, anxiously awaiting the outcome of Colin Kaepernick’s ongoing case against the NFL, and finally, this year has proved to be victorious for the football star.
Kaepernick’s fight for justice against the National Football League (NFL) has been a long one, stemming from his 2016 sit-out and eventual kneeling—in peaceful protest of crimes against Black people—at games during the national anthem. In a statement to the NFL during that time, Kaepernick said, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color.”
Since then, speculations of him being blackballed by the league began to surface as the 2017–2018 season saw the quarterback jobless and filing a grievance against the league. Fast-forward to present day, and the NFL has reached an undisclosed settlement agreement with Kaepernick.
In addition to his settlement, Nike—with perfect timing—released a signature football jersey dedicated to his struggle, naming it “The Kaepernick Icon”jersey, which retails for $150. The jersey resembles the #ImWithKap prototype worn by celebrities who have stood in solidarity with Kaepernick during the past year.
On its official website, Nike describes the jersey as such:
“The Kaepernick Icon Jersey is a celebration of those who seek truth in their communities, and those who remain true to themselves. Built with Dri-FIT technology, the jersey is made to keep you dry and comfortable wherever you go.”
Celebrating the launch of the product, Kaepernick took to his Instagram page to describe the momentum. He says the jersey is “for those true to themselves on and off the field. Proudly, unapologetically and against all odds. This is only the beginning. #TrueTo7.”
