Just Do It: The Surprising Origins of Nike’s Iconic Slogan
Just Do It: The Surprising Origins of Nike's Iconic Slogan They're three simple words that have inspired people all around the world to push past their limits and achieve greatness. But where did Nike's famous slogan "Just Do It" come from? The story behind the iconic phrase is both surprising and inspiring. In the early 1980s, Nike was struggling to compete with other athletic brands like Adidas and Reebok. They needed a way to set themselves apart and appeal to a wider audience. That's when they turned to a little-known advertising agency called Wieden+Kennedy. Co-founder Dan Wieden and his team came up with a few different slogans, but none of them felt quite right. Then, one day, Wieden was thinking about the final words of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer who was executed by firing squad in Utah in 1977. When asked if he had any final words, Gilmore simply said, "Let's do it." Wieden was struck by the simplicity and directness of those words, and decided to tweak them a bit for Nike's campaign. "Just Do It" was born. The slogan was an instant hit, resonating with athletes and non-athletes alike.
