Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who made headlines with his national anthem protests, recently approached the NFL expressing his desire to make a comeback. With his history of creating waves both on and off the field, many anticipated a mixed reaction.
However, nobody expected the NFL’s official response. In a letter that seemed more fitting for a comedian’s script than a formal communication from the league, the NFL’s executive committee wrote: “While we appreciate your enthusiasm to return, perhaps you might consider a venture more suited to your personal brand—like endorsing a range of shampoos.”
The shampoo comment, it appears, is a tongue-in-cheek reference to Kaepernick’s signature afro, which has been a prominent part of his look since he began his protests.
One has to wonder, is this the NFL’s way of acknowledging Kaepernick’s undeniable style? Or is it a subtle dig, hinting that he might be better off focusing on haircare rather than touchdowns?
As word of the NFL’s unique career advice spread, reactions ranged from hilarity to outrage. Legendary tight end, Shannon Sharpe, took to Twitter to jest, “Well, I always said Kap had some of the best hair in the business. But, come on NFL, really?”While many players and fans found humor in the league’s response, others felt it was dismissive and even disrespectful. Popular sports commentator, Max Kellerman, remarked on his show, “Suggesting shampoo endorsements? That’s a low blow. The man wants to play. This isn’t a beauty pageant.”
Ironically, even as debates raged, several major shampoo brands expressed genuine interest in having Kaepernick as a brand ambassador.
Mane & Glory, a leading haircare brand, posted a teaser ad on their social media. It featured a silhouette resembling Kaepernick, with the caption: “Got the courage to kneel? We’ve got the formula for the perfect curls!”
All eyes were on Kaepernick for his reaction. In a move that showcased his characteristic poise, Kaepernick took to Instagram. With his afro looking as majestic as ever, he held up a bottle of generic shampoo, winked, and wrote, “Guess it’s time to shine, in more ways than one.”
His post was met with an outpouring of love and support, with many praising his sense of humor and ability to rise above negativity.
While the NFL’s letter was unexpected, to say the least, it inadvertently opened a conversation about players’ branding opportunities outside the gridiron. Players have always had endorsements, but now, with the age of social media and personal branding, the potential is more vast than ever.
Perhaps, in an alternate universe, Kaepernick will be known not just for his spiral throws and activism but also for the sheen of his curls.
The ongoing Kaepernick-NFL saga has had its fair share of twists and turns, and this latest chapter adds a touch of humor, intentional or not. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it’s evident that the worlds of sports, commerce, and personal branding are more intertwined than ever before.
In the end, whether Kaepernick returns to the NFL or becomes the face of luscious locks worldwide, one thing is certain: he’ll always be at the center of the conversation, and we’ll all be watching, one way or another.
