Kaerpernick Featured In Nike's "Dream Crazier" Ad

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By Ana Narayan


Nike’s viral video “Dream Crazy” featuring Colin Kaepernick, football quarterback, sparked many emotions with its powerful message about courage and bravery. Many weren’t misled by the video itself, but the quarterback, Kaepernick and his intention. As we know, it quite definitely sparked a negative image on the company, but started a conversation about race and diversity. Since they released the video, the company received a lot of backlash and hate. However, Nike gained also gained a 5% stock increase. (According to CBS)

The video features many athletes - young and old, actively performing activities and sports. It also presents many prominent figures like Serena Williams and Lebron James. Kaepernick narrates the video, saying “If people say your dreams are crazy, if they laugh at what you think you can do - good, stay that way, because what nonbelievers fail to understand is that calling a dream crazy is not an insult, it’s a compliment.” This gives off a very inspirational, moving tone to viewers, which Nike preaches, especially since their main message is to do better and work hard.

Kaepernick has been a polarizing member of the NFL since protesting racial injustice during the national anthem. In the video, Kaepernick states his famous line “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything,” while he walks down a street in black clothes and a mock turtleneck. His inspirational ad is about being different and overcoming stereotypes and obstacles. However, the commercial’s only reference to his protest is very subtle and almost hidden as the camera shoots him from behind of him standing looking at a waving American flag being projected onto a building. Instead, the advertisement emphasizes on Nike’s 30th anniversary of it’s incentive slogan “Just Do It.”