Pharrell Williams and longtime collaborator Adidas have teamed up to unveil a custom set of ‘LIBERTY + JUSTICE’ cleats just days before SUPER BOWL LXI. This came during the aftermath of the protests sweeping through the NFL sparked by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
President Trump called for owners to fire their protesting players, which prompted many celebrities like Pharrell to unite with the players in self-expression and freedom of speech.
The digitally created “LIBERTY + JUSTICE” AM4MN (adidas Made for Minneapolis) cleats allows NFL players to stand in solidarity and express their beliefs in today’s political climate. Two words on a shoe should not be considered a risk, but in today’s climate, could be considered controversial.
However, Pharrell is no stranger to addressing social issues and shares some of the same beliefs as NFL players. During a performance in Charlottesville, Virginia — the site of many far-right protests— Pharrell knelt in front of the crowd and called for “freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of belief, freedom to live.”
Regarding the players and elaborating on the situation, Pharrell states, “They are not holding up signs, they are not throwing rocks, they are just exercising their liberty and their justice for all. That’s really all this is.” Pharell's words ring true with the nonviolent protests by Colin Kaepernick and many others.
With “LIBERTY” and “JUSTICE” placed on the upper of the shoe, these two words are far from simple in their meaning, encompassing a movement for fundamental American rights. “Liberty and Justice for all. That’s what needs to be on their feet, every step that they take,” Pharrell states.
To honor the athletes even further, Pharrell hand-delivered a few cleats to the likes of athletes like Von Miller, Chad Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins and even Snoop Dogg. Pharrell states in an interview with Hypebeast magazine, “I'm honored that the players see that we are trying to support them and it’s just a good time right now.”
The cleats are available at adidas.com
