When Nike released its new advertising campaign featuring former NFL-quarterback Colin Kaepernick, National Association of Police Organizations called for its ranks to boycott the shoemaker's products.
NBPA Sends Letter of Support to Nike CEO for Kaepernick Advertisement
The National Black Police Association released an open letter they sent to Mark Parker, Nike's CEO, saying that NBPA "believes that Mr. Kaepernick's stance is in direct alignment with what law enforcement stands for—the protection of a people, their human rights, their dignity, their safety, and their rights as American citizens."

Other police organizations made announcements decrying the decision to employ Kaepernick as a spokesperson because he had famously taken a knee in protest during the national anthem before his games. His actions—he said at the time—were to raise awareness of what he believed to be mistreatment of African American citizens at the hands of police officers.
But at least one police organization has broken ranks and offered a word of support for Nike and Kaepernick.
The National Black Police Association released an open letter they sent to Mark Parker, Nike's CEO, saying that NBPA "believes that Mr. Kaepernick's stance is in direct alignment with what law enforcement stands for—the protection of a people, their human rights, their dignity, their safety, and their rights as American citizens."
The letter concluded, "The NBPA proudly supports Nike and your use of Mr. Kaepernick in your new 'Just Do It' advertising campaign. Truth and upholding the Constitutional rights of citizens are cornerstones of leadership in policing. Our mission includes striving to bridge the gap between law enforcement and our communities—we are committed to ensuring equity for the community, as we work to enhance trust, legitimacy, transparency, and accountability in policing."
More Patrol
From the Show Floor: Traka
Join POLICE as we visit with Steve Atkinson of Traka and learn about the company’s asset management cabinets and key lockers.
Read More →
Team Wendy Shares New DREW Data During Personal Armour Systems Symposium
Team Wendy shared data about DREW, a biofidelic helmet-test rig built to simulate real head-to-ground falls and capture both linear and rotational head motion, during the recent Personal Armour Systems Symposium in Belgium.
Read More →
2026 US Police and Fire Championships to Unite First Responders in San Diego for 59th Annual Event
The 2026 US Police and Fire Championships, featuring more than 35 Olympic-style events and new competitions, will return to San Diego, California.
Read More →
FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends to Host Live Audience for National First Responders Day
In honor of National First Responders Day, FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends will host a live audience made up of first responders and their families. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel have been invited to attend the live program.
Read More →How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management
Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.
Read More →
Axon Ecosystem Advancements Connect Critical Moments of Public Safety Response
Last week, during IACP 2025, Axon unveiled what it called the next evolution of its connected public safety ecosystem. Key launches included Prepared by Axon, new Axon Assistant and Axon Air Drone as First Responder (DFR) capabilities, and Community Shield and Community Link.
Read More →When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Read More →
Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?
The first – and worst – time I had to fight to keep my gun, my holster and duty belt held up far better than my training did.
Read More →
Streamlight Releases the Ultra-Thin Wedge SL
Streamlight has launched the Wedge SL, an ultra-thin, USB-C rechargeable light designed for users who want pocketable power.
Read More →More IACP 2025 From the Show Floor
Watch expanded coverage of IACP 2025 as the POLICE Magazine team walks the aisles at the expo and shares what we found interesting on display for chiefs from across the country and around the world this week in Denver, Colorado.
Read More →
