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The Kaepernick Effect Is Real, His New Nikes Sell Out Day 1

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Back in November The Shadow League reported on the impending release of Colin Kaepernick’s “True to 7” Air Force 1 shoe. The success of the shoe was never in doubt as according to reports, Nike’s decision to endorse Colin Kaepernick 14 months prior had resulted in a $26.2 billion windfall for the company.

Nike was highly anticipating the December release and as expected, it sold out on the first day of its North American release, according to the company’s website, proving that the NFL owners’ most hated player is one of America’s most powerful and popular brands.

According to CBS:
The $110 black-and-white show shoe has an embroidered portrait of the quarterback on the heel tab and the iconic Swoosh and his personal logo on the front. Shares of Nike were steady Monday, closing roughly at $100. Its shares are up about 35 % year to date.
It apears that Kap and Nike have finessed the NFL at its own game. Though the Atlanta workouts were considered a sham by both Kap’s camp and NFL reps —  each accusing the other of disrespecting the process — Kaepernick gave us a preview of the shoe during the workout when he was wearing a unique pair of lowcut Nike Air Force 1’s that Eric Reid later posted on IG.

The Kap Effect is real.

As of a month ago, Nike’s stock had risen over 18 percent since the announcement of the Kaepernick deal. The company’s market cap had risen $26.2 billion over the same time period and is valued at nearly $146 billion.
The more the NFL blackballs him, the more popular he gets. Since Nike signed Kap to an endorsement deal, many of his critics said the sneakers and apparel giant’s business would suffer. Instead, Nike’s Kaepernick ad generated over $43 million in media exposure and his signature shoe is selling like hotcakes. If the NFL thought they were going to stop his bag and have him come begging for a job, they severely miscalculated.

Even with Nike, he’s controlling the narrative. Not the other way around.

During the summer, Nike decided not to release its Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July shoe, reportedly because of objections from Kaepernick, who told the company that the Revolutionary-era U.S. flag with 13 white stars and a circle heralded back to a time when black people were enslaved and that it has been appropriated as a contemporary symbol by white nationalist groups.

Why Nike’s Betsy Ross Sneaker Fumble Is A Cautionary Tale

Kap might have been considered bad business for the 32 close-minded, NFL owners and a few racists, but his brand as an American hero, respected historical figure and an elite athlete is as strong as ever.

We can safely say that in retrospect, the NFL totally missed the boat on this one. Nike’s support of Kaepernick hasn’t hurt its brand one iota. In fact, The Kaepernick Effect has only made them richer and more popular because his message resonates with the common persons around the globe.

His intentions can’t be questioned any longer. He continues to work for the good of others and he flipped a period of persectution and First Amendment rights infringement into a capitalistic comeup. You don’t get any more American than Colin Kaepernick.

The Kaepernick Effect: Evaluating Nike’s Future Value

He proved the NFL owners wrong in the sense that they could have made him a hero and stood behind him and flipped that into billions. Same as Nike is doing. 32 owners were more concerned with the couple of billionaires who line their pockets and forgot about the power of the people. The ownwrs may keep Kap off the field but the people still keep him in the money.

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