Former U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe has ignited controversy by expressing her support for Colin Kaepernick's inclusion on the American flag football team for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Rapinoe believes Kaepernick, who has been vocal about racial inequality and police brutality, would be an asset to the team despite his absence from the NFL since 2016.
Former U.S. women's national soccer team star Megan Rapinoe has added fuel to the growing tension between NFL and flag football players over the upcoming debut of flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. During the "A Touch More" podcast with Sue Bird, Rapinoe made it clear that she believes one former NFL player, Colin Kaepernick, deserves a spot on America's roster.
Megan Rapinoe Advocates for Colin Kaepernick's Inclusion in Flag Football at 2028 Olympics
"Oh God, he would be so good in flag football. I mean he would be so good in the NFL, let’s just be clear about that. He is still being blackballed from the NFL right now," Rapinoe said. "I think it would be awesome.
"I would love to see Colin be able to represent America in an Olympics. I think that would be an unbelievably special moment.
Megan Rapinoe Advocates for Colin Kaepernick's Inclusion in Flag Football at 2028 Olympics
"He’s my flag bearer. I think that would be really incredible to have that representation of America also be front and center at an Olympics. That would be really cool."
Rapinoe's comments come amidst growing concerns from flag football players about the potential impact of NFL players joining the Olympic team. Darrell "Housh" Doucette, quarterback of the U.S. national team, has expressed his desire for NFL players to undergo the same qualifying process as flag football players.
Megan Rapinoe Advocates for Colin Kaepernick's Inclusion in Flag Football at 2028 Olympics
"I love the fact that they want to play and that they want to come out and compete. But at the end of the day, we want the same process that we’ve been having to play. We have to try out, and so do they. I don’t want it to be they’re entitled because of their names to be able to just automatically be on the team, and that’s what is sounds like from the flag football world."
Doucette argues that the transition from tackle football to flag football is not as straightforward as some may believe. "I don’t think they have the time to actually learn this game and be as successful as we have over this period of time," he added.
Megan Rapinoe Advocates for Colin Kaepernick's Inclusion in Flag Football at 2028 Olympics
Despite the concerns raised by flag football players, Kaepernick has expressed his interest in competing in the Olympics. In an interview with Sky Sports, he said: "We’re gonna work on some things, see if we can make it in there, but would love to be out there."
The inclusion of NFL players in the Olympic flag football team has become a contentious issue, with both sides expressing their perspectives and concerns. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Kaepernick will ultimately make the American roster and how his presence will impact the dynamics of the team.
