Megan Rapinoe has sparked controversy after expressing her desire for Colin Kaepernick to carry the United States flag at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Rapinoe, who met Kaepernick at the recent Paris Games, shared her thoughts during a podcast conversation with her partner, Sue Bird.
“I would love to see Colin represent America in the Olympics,” Rapinoe stated. “He’s my choice for flag bearer. It would be incredible to have him symbolize America on such a global stage. He’d be amazing at flag football, and let’s be clear, he’d still excel in the NFL if not for being blackballed.”
Kaepernick, now 36, hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016, after his decision to kneel during the national anthem sparked a nationwide debate. Recently, there have been rumors linking him to a potential coaching role with the Los Angeles Chargers, under coach Jim Harbaugh.
Rapinoe’s comments quickly ignited backlash on social media, with many fans criticizing her stance. One user commented, “No surprise that someone who criticizes America aligns with Megan Rapinoe.” Another added, “I want someone who genuinely loves their country to represent it. Neither of these two fit that description.”
Rapinoe also reflected on her meeting with Kaepernick, calling it a significant moment. “To discuss what he and I have gone through, and how our families have been impacted, was really powerful. Meeting Colin in person and thanking him was a big highlight for me.”
In 2019, Kaepernick reached a confidential settlement with the NFL after accusing team owners of blackballing him due to his protests. While he remains sidelined, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged in 2021 that the league should have listened to players’ concerns about racism sooner, even encouraging teams to sign Kaepernick.
Earlier this month, Kaepernick expressed his desire to return to the field, stating, “I’ve trained my whole life for this. Getting back on the field would be a major achievement. I know I can help a team win a championship.”
