Nike Releases New Colin Kaepernick Advert Despite Huge Backlash

It begins: "If people say your dreams are crazy, if they laugh at what you think you can do - good. Stay that way.

"Because what non-believers fail to understand is that calling a dream crazy is not an insult, it's a compliment.

"Don't try to be the fastest runner in your school, or the fastest in the world. Be the fastest ever."

Speaking of Odell, he says: "Don't picture yourself wearing OBJ's jersey. Picture OBJ wearing yours."

And of Shaquem: "If you have only one hand, don't just watch football, play it at the highest level."

Moving on the LeBron James: "Don't become the best basketball player on the planet. Be bigger than basketball."

And regarding Serena, he says: "And, if you're a girl from Compton, don't just become a tennis player. Become the greatest athlete ever. Yeah, that's more like it."

Kaepernick became the face of Nike's 'Just Do It' campaign after he knelt while the national anthem was played, in protest against racism.

In 2016 the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback took the stance during the American national anthem, as a demonstration against the treatment of black Americans by authorities.

US President, Donald Trump heavily criticised the protest, claiming that NFL owners should 'get that son of a bitch off the field' when 'somebody disrespects our flag'.

A spokeswoman for Nike, Sandra Carreon-John, said: "Colin has been a Nike athlete since 2011. Colin is one of a number of athletes being featured as part of our 30th anniversary of Just Do It."

People have been on either side of the spectrum when it comes to Nike's decision.

One said: "In today's age, brands should be willing to take a risk and show where their values align. Customers want to connect on a deeper level with a brand, and despite the few loud angry voices, the quieter population of supporters, deeply appreciates the stance."

Another added: "I'd rather a brand make a statement than trying to be everything for everyone. That's how you start losing perspective on why the brand even exist in the first place."

But someone on the other side of the argument commented: "I can't believe THIS is the guy that @Nike want's to be the "FACE" of their company! Disgusting"

Another said: "I wonder what Colen Kaepernick has sacrificed for his country and people? All I've seen and heard so far is his disrespectful kneeling and childish whining. And @Nike, are we regretting now or what? lol".