Miami Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills says he's encouraged by Nike's new endorsement deal with his friend and fellow activist Colin Kaepernick Authentic Eric Staal Jersey , and wishes the NFL would show similar support for their cause.

Kaepernick, a leader of the movement against social injustice that has prompted player protests during the national anthem, is among the faces of Nike's 30th anniversary "Just Do It" campaign.

The sports apparel giant has unveiled its first TV ad in the campaign, narrated by Kaepernick and scheduled to air during major sporting events.

"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.

"The NFL could've done a better job of controlling the narrative from the beginning," Stills said. "I think if the NFL did something like Nike did 鈥?some sort of campaign, explain this whole situation, have our backs, supporting us and our First Amendment right 鈥?then this thing would've gone in a whole different direction."

Stills, who talks often with Kaepernick Authentic Jaleel Scott Jersey , said he senses increasing support for the protesters as their cause is better understood.

Receiver Albert Wilson and defensive end Robert Quinn joined Stills in protesting before Dolphins games during the exhibition season, and are expected to continue their protests at the team's season opener Sunday against Tennessee.

Wilson, who has a contract with Nike, also applauded the company's deal with Kaepernick.

"I think it's awesome they're stepping up and spreading awareness," Wilson said. "For somebody to be so big, you can't ask nothing for it. You can't do nothing but respect them."

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady vies for best male athlete while Olympic skier Mikaela Shiffrin contends a second time for best female athlete among nominations for The ESPYS honoring the past year's top sports achievements and moments.

Brady, a three-time nominee, will be up against first-time nominees Jose Altuve of the World Series champion Houston Astros, James Harden of the Houston Rockets and Alexander Ovechkin of the Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals in male athlete nods announced Wednesday. Brady was also nominated in 2004 and 2008.

Shiffrin faces three first-time nominees for female athlete in Sylvia Fowles of the WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx, Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim and soccer player Julie Ertz.

Newly retired racecar driver Danica Patrick will be the first woman to host when the show airs July 18 from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Kevin Durant of the NBA champion Golden State Warriors, who won last year Authentic Evander Kane Jersey , received a nod for best championship performance. He goes against Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, World Series MVP George Springer and Villanova's Donte DiVincenzo, most outstanding player of the men's Final Four.

Brady is also nominated for record-breaking performance, along with tennis star Roger Federer, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and Diana Taurasi of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury.

Cleveland's LeBron James earned his 14th consecutive nomination for best NBA player and will be going for his third straight trophy. He is up against Harden, Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis of the Pelicans.

The nominees for breakthrough athlete are Ben Simmons of the 76ers, Utah's Donovan Mitchell, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara and tennis player Sloane Stephens.

Winners of most categories will be determined by online fan voting that ends before the show airs.