Megan Rapinoe, a former star of the U.S. Women’s National Team, has backed Colin Kaepernick to lead the U.S. flag football team during the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“It would be an amazing event to see Colin Kaepernick representing America on such a grand sports platform,” Rapinoe stated in an interview with Mackenzie Salmon from YSL News.

In an August interview with Sky Sports, Kaepernick expressed his desire to continue playing in the NFL and made it clear that he hopes to participate in Team USA’s flag football team for the 2028 Olympics.

Kaepernick, now 36 years old, sparked a national debate in 2016 when he knelt during the national anthem to protest police brutality and the killing of unarmed Black individuals. He played as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers for six years before leaving the team after the 2016 season. After not being signed by any team, he later reached an undisclosed settlement after accusing the NFL of collusion to keep him from being able to play.

“He has been unjustly sidelined by the NFL, one of the most significant sports leagues in our nation,” Rapinoe remarked. “His career has been essentially stolen from him. If he were given the chance to don the American colors in the Olympics, that would be something special.”

The Los Angeles Olympics will feature flag football, along with sports like lacrosse, T20 cricket, baseball, softball, and squash. In flag football, teams of five players each will compete on a field that measures 50 yards by 25 yards.

The criteria for qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team is yet to be revealed, but there is potential for college athletes, NFL players, and current Team USA flag football players to form the men’s team. Several NFL stars have shown interest in playing, but the athletes who frequently represent Team USA and have won the last five IFAF Flag Football World Championships are keen on maintaining their positions on the Olympic squad.

“[Kaepernick]’s an incredibly talented player,” Rapinoe shared. “[His involvement in the Olympics] would definitely be must-see entertainment for me, and I believe for many others as well.”

Rapinoe believes that there should be tryouts where players from various backgrounds can compete against each other.

“It would be great to see a mixed team comprised of some NFL players and seasoned athletes who have dedicated time to the sport,” Rapinoe commented. “I believe that would be the most respectful approach.”