Confirmed: Nike Ends $20 Million Partnership with Colin Kaepernick

In an unexpected twist, sports apparel behemoth Nike announced the termination of its $20 million partnership with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The reason? According to inside sources, the company deemed Kaepernick “a bit too woke” for its taste.

Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign featuring Kaepernick became instantly iconic. “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything,” the ad’s text read, with a close-up image of Kaepernick’s face. Sales surged, but so did the criticisms. Boycotts were called, shoes were burned, and the world waited to see whether Nike’s gamble would pay off in the long run.

For a while, it seemed like it had. Nike received accolades for standing by an athlete who was, by all accounts, being blacklisted by the NFL. The partnership was not just about commercials or sneaker sales—it was about making a statement.

But as with all things in the world of business, the winds of change are ever-present. The recent decision to sever ties with Kaepernick suggests that the company might be reevaluating its stance.

While the official statement from Nike remains diplomatically neutral, attributing the decision to “shifting brand strategies,” whispers from the grapevine tell a different story. An insider source shared, “The execs felt that Kaepernick’s recent activities and statements were overshadowing the broader message. They believed he became too woke, even for a brand that prides itself on pushing boundaries.”

There were also rumblings of Kaepernick’s plans to launch his line of athletic wear, a move that could put him in direct competition with Nike. Could the termination be a preemptive strike, disguised as a philosophical parting of ways?