A controversial Nike advertisement featuring activist and former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick encouraging people into “sacrificing everything” won an Emmy Sunday.
The “Dream Crazy” ad — which aired in 2018 during the NFL season opening — took home a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Oustanding Commerical, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The ad features Mr. Kaepernick narrating athletes overcoming obstacles such as disabilities, age and gender to become the best in their sport. At one point accompanies Kapernick with the narration: “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
Mr. Kaepernick has been a controversial figure after he protested racial disparities and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem. During the controversy, many condemned him as disrespecting the flag and military veterans, and Mr. Kaepernick has remained unsigned for three years.
The advertisement created calls of Nike boycotts over its perceived support of Mr. Kaepernick that went all the way up to President Trump.
“Just like the NFL, whose ratings have gone WAY DOWN, Nike is getting absolutely killed with anger and boycotts,” he tweeted. “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!”
Nike benefited highly from the controversy, as all of the free advertising online led to the company’s value increasing by $6 billion two weeks later, The New York Times reported.
Mr. Kaepernick made headlines earlier this summer when it was reported his objections led to Nike scrapping a planned shoe design that incorporated the Betsy Ross version of the U.S. flag.
• Bailey Vogt can be reached at bvogt@washingtontimes.com.
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