Retired USWNT star Megan Rapinoe expressed her support for Colin Kaepernick to headline the U.S. flag football team at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

"That would be really, an incredible moment to have Colin Kaepernick represent America on the biggest sports stage,” Rapinoe told USA TODAY’s Mackenzie Salmon. 

Kaepernick told Sky Sports in August that he still wants to play in the NFL and would like to play for Team USA’s flag football squad at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 

Kaepernick, 36, ignited national controversy after kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality and the murder of unarmed Black men. He played six seasons at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers before parting with the team following the 2016 season. After remaining unsigned, Kaepernick reached an undisclosed settlement after suing the NFL for collusion to keep him out of the league. 

"He continues to be blackballed by the NFL and one of the biggest sports in our country,” Rapinoe said. “So his career was really robbed from him. And continues to be. So if he could get the opportunity to represent America in the Olympics, and wearing the flag and everything, I think that would be incredible.”

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The LA Olympics will add flag football as well as lacrosse, T20 cricket, baseball, softball and squash to the Olympic program. Flag football will feature five-a-side men’s and women’s teams on a field measuring 50 yards long and 25 yards wide. 

The qualification process for the U.S. Olympic team has not been announced, but there is a potential for college, NFL, and active Team USA flag football players to make up the men’s roster. Although several NFL stars have expressed interest in playing, the athletes who regularly represent Team USA — and have won the last five IFAF Flag Football World Championships — seem determined to defend their spots on the Olympic team. 

“[Kaepernick]’s such a huge talent,” Rapinoe said. “[His Olympic participation] would definitely be appointment viewing for me. And I'm sure many other people.”

Rapinoe added that she would want there to be tryouts so all players from different playing backgrounds can go head to head. 

“I think ideally it would be a mixed team, some NFL players and then some players who have been there for a long time,” Rapinoe said. “I feel like that'd be probably the most respectful move.”

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