Miami Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills says he's encouraged by Nike's new endorsement deal with his friend and fellow activist Colin Kaepernick, and wishes the NFL would show similar support for their cause.
Kaepernick is among the faces of Nike's 30th anniversary "Just Do It" campaign.
"I'm really encouraged by it," Stills said Thursday. "Those are things that really brighten people's day in a time that there are not many things to be happy about."
Stills began kneeling during the anthem in 2016 and has been vocal discussing racial inequality and other issues.
The player protests have become a divisive topic of debate, and the NFL and players union still haven't said whether players will be punished this season if they choose to kneel or demonstrate during the anthem.
Stills, who talks often with Kaepernick, said he senses increasing support for the protesters as their cause is better understood.