Megan Rapinoe, the outspoken soccer star and advocate for social justice, has stirred controversy once again by suggesting Colin Kaepernick as the United States flag bearer for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Rapinoe’s proposal, shared during a recent interview, has ignited a heated national conversation about patriotism, protest, and the evolving role of athletes in shaping cultural narratives.

Kaepernick, a former NFL quarterback turned activist, gained international attention in 2016 when he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice.

His actions sparked widespread debate, with supporters praising his courage to challenge systemic racism and detractors accusing him of disrespecting the flag and the country. Rapinoe, a long-time ally of Kaepernick, believes his actions exemplify the values of courage and justice that the United States should celebrate on a global stage.

During the interview, Rapinoe stated, “Colin embodies what it means to fight for equality and justice. He stood up—or kneeled—for principles that this country claims to hold dear.

Having him carry the flag at the Olympics would send a powerful message about what the United States truly represents.” Rapinoe, no stranger to controversy herself, has frequently used her platform to advocate for progressive causes, making her suggestion both unsurprising and polarizing.

The idea of Kaepernick as the flag bearer has received mixed reactions. Supporters of the proposal argue that Kaepernick’s activism aligns with the Olympic values of respect and human dignity.

Social media platforms have been flooded with hashtags like #Kaepernick2028, as fans and fellow activists rally behind Rapinoe’s suggestion. Many see this as an opportunity for the United States to demonstrate a commitment to addressing its historical and ongoing struggles with racial inequality.

Critics, however, have fiercely opposed the idea, arguing that Kaepernick’s protests are incompatible with the symbolic role of carrying the national flag. For many, the flag bearer represents unity and pride in the nation—a role they feel is at odds with Kaepernick’s actions, which some interpret as divisive.

Conservative commentators have labeled the suggestion as another instance of “woke politics” infiltrating sports and accused Rapinoe of further polarizing an already divided public.

Political figures have also weighed in on the controversy. Some members of Congress have expressed support for Kaepernick, framing his potential role as a flag bearer as a step toward reconciliation and progress.

Others, however, have called the idea inappropriate and have criticized Rapinoe for using the Olympics as a platform for political statements.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), which selects the flag bearer based on nominations from athletes and officials, has not commented on Rapinoe’s suggestion.

Traditionally, the flag bearer is chosen to reflect exemplary athletic achievement, sportsmanship, and representation of American ideals. Whether Kaepernick’s activism fits that criterion is now a subject of fierce debate.

Rapinoe’s proposal has reignited broader discussions about the intersection of sports and activism. While athletes have long used their platforms to advocate for social change, the past decade has seen an unprecedented blending of athletic achievement and political expression.

Figures like Kaepernick, Rapinoe, and LeBron James have blurred the lines between sports and societal advocacy, challenging traditional expectations of what it means to represent a country on the world stage.

As the 2028 Olympics approach, the controversy surrounding Rapinoe’s suggestion is likely to intensify. The decision of whether or not to nominate Kaepernick will undoubtedly carry significant cultural and political implications.

For supporters, it would symbolize progress and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s past and present. For opponents, it risks alienating those who view the flag as a symbol of unity that should remain free of political controversy.

Regardless of the outcome, Rapinoe’s proposal has once again highlighted the power of athletes to shape national conversations.

Whether Colin Kaepernick ultimately carries the flag at the 2028 Olympics or not, the debate underscores the ongoing struggle to define what it means to represent the United States in an increasingly complex and divided world.