Nike has almost cut ties with the old polarization QB

Nike almost cut ties with Kaepernick before turning the corner and accepting what he was defending, according to a story by The New York Times.

Nike's athlete since 2011, Kaepernick's dilemma has left Nike's marketing managers unsure of how to proceed with the polarizing quarterback. Complicating matters, Nike also had a pre-existing contract with the NFL, which would have paid the league $ 220 million a year to place its swoosh on an officially licensed merchandise. This agreement was extended, with amendments to the agreement, last March for 10 years.

Nigel Powell, head of communications at Nike, had to intervene before Nike decided to support Kaepernick. according to The New York TimesPowell argued that reducing links with Kaepernick could impact the media and consumers.

Its leaders, in collaboration with Nike's longtime advertising agency, Wieden and Kennedy, have finally recognized that it can be very useful to position themselves alongside Kaepernick in his fight for social and racial equality.

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There was a risk of upsetting his partnership with the NFL and potentially disrupting part of the NFL fan base that was disabled by the protests of the players. Nike, which has always pushed the limits of advertising campaigns, still proceeded.

Mark Parker, Nike's general manager, said at the company's quarterly results conference that the adoption of Kaepernick had led to a "record engagement with the brand."

"We feel really good and are very proud of the work we do," said Parker. "We know this has had a very strong impact on consumers."