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Russell Wilson weighs in on Kaepernick Nike ad

By Alison Grande
By Alison Grande

RENTON, Wash. — Nike ran its new commercial featuring Colin Kaepernick on Thursday night during a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons.

At practice this afternoon in Renton, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was asked about the controversial Nike ad. Wilson, who usually steers clear of controversy, chose to answer the question about the former 49ers quarterback who began a personal protest by taking a knee during the national anthem.

"I haven't seen the Nike commercial. I've seen the ad thing. I think that ultimately us as a country right now we get distracted about so many different things, we're fighting over all the wrong things. I think like I've always said it's really about, it's really about love and grace and how can we make this world a better place and I think that's the intention more than anything else," said Wilson.

The print ad, released on Monday as part of Nike's 30th anniversary of the "Just Do It" campaign, had some Nike owner so upset they burned their shoes and posted about it on Facebook. The hashtag boycott Nike trended on Twitter.

When former Seahawk Michael Bennett started sitting on the bench during the national anthem, Wilson was slow to comment. But after President Trump spoke out on the NFL and players taking a knee last fall -- Wilson and his teammates stayed inside the locker room during the national anthem before their game against the Tennessee Titans.

Today Wilson supported former NFL rival Kaepernick and what he believes is the intent of his protest, and why he was chosen for the ad campaign.

"As long as it surrounds love and grace and making this world a better place, that, that's what I believe in," said Wilson.

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