*By Max Godnick* The man behind Colin Kaepernick's controversial decision to kneel during the National Anthem understands why some might take offense to Nike's 30th anniversary "Just Do It" ad campaign. But former NFL player and Army Special Forces vet Nate Boyer sees the gesture as a compromise that gives weight to Kaepernick's views and still honors service members. "We came to this idea of taking a knee alongside his teammates instead of sitting on the bench isolated," Boyer said Thursday in an interview on Cheddar. "He thought that was very powerful, and he would do that for the men and women who fought and died for what that flag represents." Nike's decision to tap Kaepernick as the face of its campaign has sparked passionate reactions across the political spectrum. [LeBron James](https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/1037425215653982209) and [Serena Williams] (https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/1036769320196616198) led a chorus of supporters who praised the move, while critics threatened a boycott, trashing the athletic giant's apparel and posting the evidence on social media. Boyer said he doesn't take issue with Kaepernick's inclusion in the campaign, but he understands why some veterans are offended by the tagline, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything." "That can be hurtful to some people who truly believe that their brothers and sisters in arms who they laid to rest paid that ultimate sacrifice," he said. Boyer and Kaepernick first met in 2016 after the quarterback began protesting racial injustice by sitting during the National Anthem. The former Green Beret published an [open letter](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000693173/article/nate-boyer-writes-open-letter-to-colin-kaepernick) in response to the football star, and the two eventually met in-person. When Kaepernick [knelt for the first time](https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/11/09/nate-boyer-colin-kaepernick-you-can-do-more), Boyer stood alongside him and continues to support his mission. And the movement the two started is still deeply relevant. A [clip](https://nowthisnews.com/videos/politics/beto-orourke-on-nfl-players-kneeling-during-the-national-anthem) of Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-TX) voicing his support of the protests went viral with over 50 million views across all social platforms. In it, the Senate candidate said he "can think of nothing more American" than taking a knee to protest police brutality. Boyer doesn't have trouble coming up with an alternative. "I think there's nothing more American than serving your country," he said. "But that's my opinion." For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/veteran-who-suggested-kaepernick-kneel-weighs-in-on-nike).

Share:
More In Sports
Break the Love Raises $2.5 Million Seed Funding Round to Get People Playing Tennis
Next-gen social sports platform Break the Love recently raised $2.5 million in seed funding. Break the Love's platform and iOS app allows users to discover and book group-based tennis activities, to either learn, train, or compete. The new company has already gotten support from a few big names in the world of tennis, including the coach of Naomi Osaka, as well as the United States Tennis Association and the brand Wilson. Break the Love founder and CEO Trisha Goyal joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Troy Aikman Dishes on His Own Light Beer Brand, Faves for Super Bowl LVI
Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman joined Cheddar's "Between Bells" to talk about his own brand of organic light beer called Eight (his jersey number with the Dallas Cowboys) and explained that he's had an interest in the industry since his days working for a distributor during college. "These brands that are on the market have been there for a long time and [I] felt that it was time for something fresh, something new, and I thought that we could do it in a way that was a better-for-you beer' and that's what we've done," he said. Aikman also provided some insight into the upcoming NFL playoffs and noted that he doesn't see a clear frontrunner for this year's Vince Lombardi trophy.
Mobile Sports Betting Starts in New York on Saturday
It is 'game on' for sports bettors in the state of New York, as mobile betting kicks off on four major betting operating platforms this Saturday. The state, with over 20 million residents, will be the most populous state with legal online sports betting. Max Bichsel, VP of US Business for EmpireStakes.com joins Cheddar News to discuss.
As College Athletes Earn Wealth From NIL, Financial Management Becomes Key
College athletes scored big in 2021 when they were finally allowed to begin earning money based off of their name, image, and likeness, known as NIL. But how can young athletes best manage their money so they can set themselves up for years of success? Nicole Pullen Ross, Head of Goldman Sachs Sports and Entertainment Solutions, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss why financial management for college athletes is important, common pitfalls they could run into, and more.
Draftkings on NY Mobile Sports Betting Cannibalizing Business in Neighboring States
On Saturday, New York will join neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut in authorizing mobile sports betting. Matt Kalish, president and co-founder of Draftkings North America, joined Cheddar to talk about the landmark change that is estimated to rake in $500 million in annual tax revenue on a potential billion-dollar market. Kalish also addressed the possibility that legalized sports betting in the Empire State could cannibalize his company's revenues in the bordering states. "It's pretty inconvenient, you know, to go across the border to make a bet. And people were doing it, but I think it really stifled a lot of the opportunity," he said. "So while there's some of that going on, I think really a tremendous amount, like a giant percent, of New York will be very incremental."
Load More