Harrison Butker Rejects Nike Endorsement: ‘Still Supporting That Kaepernick Clown? No Thanks.’

A headline saying Kansas City Chiefs placekicker Harrison Butker rejected a Nike endorsement because of the brand’s association with civil rights activist and former football quarterback Colin Kaepernick originates from a satirical Facebook page.

Facebook posts, opens new tab said: “Harrison Butker Rejects Nike Endorsement: ‘Still Supporting That Kaepernick Clown? No Thanks.’”

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The headline was originally shared by a Facebook page, opens new tab called Strong Community which describes itself as a news and media website based in the UK, but also includes, “Welcome to the realm of satire and smiles” in its introduction, opens new tab.

Reuters has previously fact-checked narratives originating from Strong Community.

There is no evidence that Butker rejected an endorsement from Nike.

Representatives for Butker and Nike did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Kaepernick, who has a longstanding relationship with Nike, – first took the knee during the U.S. national anthem in 2016 to protest against racial injustice, sparking a national debate.

Butker received backlash in May 2024 for a commencement speech at a Kansas college, where he referred to June, when Pride Month is celebrated, as “the deadly sin sort of pride” and encouraged women to focus on raising families rather than joining the workforce.

Reuters has previously addressed other false narratives about Butker and Kaepernick’s association with Nike.