Why did the stand that Colin Kaepernick took align with Nike’s branding?

Nike’s brand encourages pushing limits.
All professional athletes align with Nike’s brand.
Nike usually chooses controversial athletes to market its products.
Kaepernick was famous for representing Nike before this campaign.

The stand that Colin Kaepernick took aligned with Nike's branding for several reasons. Firstly, Nike's brand encourages pushing limits and challenging societal norms. Kaepernick's protest against racial injustice and police brutality by taking a knee during the national anthem showcased his willingness to stand up for what he believed in, which resonated with Nike's commitment to social activism and promoting change.

Secondly, while not all professional athletes align with Nike's brand, Kaepernick's actions and values were in line with Nike's messaging. Nike has a history of supporting athletes who challenge the status quo and use their platforms to bring attention to important social issues. By endorsing Kaepernick, Nike was able to showcase their support for his cause and align themselves with a figure who stood up against systemic injustice.

Lastly, although Kaepernick was already famous for representing Nike before this campaign, the decision to feature him prominently in their marketing was undoubtedly controversial. Nike has a track record of choosing controversial athletes to market its products, and this decision further reinforced their reputation for supporting individuals who challenge societal norms and spark debate.

Overall, Kaepernick's stand aligned with Nike's branding because it demonstrated a willingness to push limits, challenged societal norms, and represented Nike's commitment to social activism and supporting athletes who take a stance on important issues.