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QB Colin Kaepernick Was Almost Dropped By Nike Before He Made Them Billions of Dollars

Published 06/08/2022, 11:00 AM EDT

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Despite his inactivity in the NFL, Colin Kaepernick has become a media sensation. The former quarterback and key member of the 49ers left the league and began doing things his own way. Despite his absence from the sport, he had lucrative endorsement deals, most notably with Nike. Kap was on the verge of being ejected, but he helped them build billions.

Currently, Colin Kaepernick is making his case heard among the NFL franchises. After years of being out of the league, he is ready to make a return. However, luck hasn’t really been on his side over the scenario. He did, however, had a tryout with Las Vegas Raiders, and something could be on the build.

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Colin Kaepernick was nearly gone

Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ Campaign is worldwide acclaimed. It was so powerful that it could influence the fans. In the year 2018, they confirmed Colin Kaepernick as the face of the 30th anniversary of Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ campaign. But it was on the verge of not happening.

NFL Legend Shannon Sharpe Believes Colin Kaepernick to Be a Perfect Backup to This 3x Pro Bowl QB

According to The New York Times and The New Yorker, in 2017, there was a heated debate at Nike’s Beaverton headquarters about whether to let the QB go. Colin had been with the firm since 2011, but his agreement was about to lapse. The company was on the verge of doing the same. However, they devised an extension. Nike’s dominance is likely to have influenced the decision to include somebody as divisive as Kaepernick in the initiative.

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Although, it risks enraging the NFL, a Nike associate since 2012. Yet, the brand ultimately thought it was worth the peril and took a side. After the campaign quickly rose to prominence as among the most discussed and effective initiatives in recent memory. That marketing tactic catapulted Kap into a truly innovative level of fame. After being the campaign’s face, he increased the revenue to more than $6 Billion.

How big is Kap’s Nike deal?

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The exact amount Colin receives from Nike is unknown. According to Charles Robinson, the figure is very well established to be in the millions annually.

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The sponsorship is a ‘”Star” deal that contains royalty payments. The agreement allows him to have his own branded clothing line. Shoes, shirts, jerseys, and so on. Nike sat on Kaepernick for two years, unsure of what to do with him. He turned out to be the Brand’s best-kept secret, and he became a crown jewel. The sportswear brand heavily profited from Kaepernick’s endorsement.

Watch This Story: NFL Legend Drew Brees Sends Fans Crazy After Claiming He’s Open To Return to Play Football

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Written by:

Pavitra Shome

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Pavitra Shome is an NFL author at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing his M.A.
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Edited by:

Gurjyot Singh Dadial