Mike Rowe: Instead of Kaepernick, I'd Pick Flight 93 Hero Tom Burnett for Nike
When former “Dirty Jobs” host and all-around working class advocate Mike Rowe was asked about his thoughts on Nike’s latest ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick, he had one answer that almost no American could disagree with:
Rowe said that he would have featured Tom Burnett instead — one of the brave passengers aboard Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001.
As most of the Western world knows by now, Nike’s ad features Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, and the words, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
The campaign has caused a firestorm of criticism because of Kaepernick’s role in starting the trend of NFL players protesting the national anthem, which is now entering its third season.
President Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of Kaepernick and other NFL players who decide to kneel during the national anthem. Last year, he launched a social media attack on all players who participated.
The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017
Since Nike’s ad campaign kicked off last week, Trump hasn’t let up.
What was Nike thinking?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 7, 2018
In an Instagram post published Monday, Rowe also offered his thoughts on Nike’s ad.
Answering a question from a fan about the controversy, Rowe prefaced it by saying Kaepernick is entitled to his opinion.
“Nike’s free to celebrate whomever they wish, and Kaepernick is entitled to his opinion–kneeling, standing, or lying down,” Rowe wrote.
Then he made it clear that Kaepernick wouldn’t have been his choice at all.
“But if I was going to put someone’s face on a billboard – someone who epitomized bravery and sacrifice – I might have gone another way, especially this time of year. I might have gone with this guy – Tom Burnett.”
Burnett was aboard the United Airlines Flight 93 that was hijacked by al-Qaida on 9/11.
He was one of the brave passengers who fought back against the terrorists. The plane ended up crashing into a Pennsylvania field instead of killers’ intended target — the nation’s capital, according to The Washington Times. All aboard were killed.
Rowe emphasized Burnett’s courage.
“Tom’s last act on earth was one of the most courageous things imaginable,” Rowe said.
Burnett’s actions epitomized bravery and he will always be remembered as a hero. He would have been a great choice for the ad, especially for a campaign in September.
It is shameful that Nike would use Kaepernick, someone who kneels during the national anthem, over any great hero this country has had.
As Rowe suggested, a hero like Burnett would have been a better choice.
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