Nike has confirmed a jersey released to commemorate former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick sold out in less than 60 seconds.
CNN reported the NZ$224 black jersey — called The Icon Jersey 2.0 — went on sale Thursday and sold out in less than a minute.
The jersey's release marked fouryears since the former San Francisco 49ers star took a knee during the United States national anthem in protest of systemic racism.
Last year, The Icon Jersey 1.0 sold out in approximately 10 hours.
Kaepernick posted to social media on Thursday: "Four years ago, I took a knee to protest against systemic racism and social injustice. It was that day that the number on my jersey would come to represent something greater than football, something greater than me.
"Since then, the number 7 jersey has become a symbol for advancing the liberation and well-being of Black & Brown communities. Thank you for staying True."
Nike also released a statement: "Through his continuous commitment, the number 7 jersey has become an iconic symbol for progress and positive change. Colin and Nike team up together once again, this time with a Triple Black jersey, paying homage to the anniversary of Kaepernick seeking what's true."
Kaepernick became the face of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2016, sparking a wave of similar protests from his fellow players.
Following intense protests in response to the murder of George Floyd in May, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted the NFL was wrong not to encourage players to peacefully protest.
Eli Harold #58, Colin Kaepernick #7 and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest in 2016. Photo / Getty
The NFL has launched several social justice initiatives since the season kicked off last week, with "It Takes All Of Us" and "End Racism" written in the end zones.
But on Tuesday, Kaepernick and former teammate Eric Reid called out the NFL for disingenuity amid the Black Lives Matter movement.
"While the NFL runs propaganda about how they care about Black Life, they are still actively blackballing Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) for fighting for the Black community," Kaepernick posted on Twitter.
"Eric set 2 franchise records last year, and is one of the best defensive players in the league."
