First Colin Kaepernick advert for Nike ‘to air during NFL opener’

A billboard shows former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick above a Nike store at Union Square (Eric Risberg/AP) Credit: AP/Press Association Images

Nike has unveiled its first “Just Do It” advert narrated by Colin Kaepernick which is reportedly scheduled to air during the NFL season opener on Thursday night.

The two-minute spot released on Wednesday highlights superstar athletes LeBron James, Serena Williams and others.

The ad, which a person familiar with the situation says will air during American football games throughout the season, touches on the controversy of NFL players protesting against racial inequality, police brutality and other issues by demonstrating during the national anthem.

Kaepernick narrates the full spot but first physically appears midway through.

As a camera pans to reveal Kaepernick’s face, a reflection of a United States flag is reflected on the facade of a building behind him.

Kaepernick says: “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.”

The former 49ers quarterback is revealed as the narrator toward the end of the spot.

The advert’s universal theme is about athletes pushing for bigger dreams.

It features young athletes who compete amid various challenges while touching on issues of gender, disabilities and weight loss among others.