“Why the Obsession”: Fans Dislike Colin Kaepernick’s Endorsement From Megan Rapinoe for the 2028 Olympics

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been in the news a lot lately, whether with rumors about a gig with the LA Chargers or his AI model startup that raised a lot of money and eyebrows at the same time. Now, Kaepernick finds himself in hot water with football fans once again, but because of an endorsement that came from Megan Rapinoe, who believes that the former should have the honors of the flag-bearer at the 2028 Olympics.

“I think that would be an unbelievably special moment. He’s my flag-bearer,” the former soccer player said on her ‘A Touch More’ podcast, endorsing Kaepernick to represent America at the 2028 Olympics — set to be held in Los Angeles.

Fans, although, weren’t at all on board with the idea, with many expressing that it has become somewhat of an “obsession” to involve a player who has been out of the league for almost a decade.

Some went so far as to declare that both Kaepernick and Rapinoe have no “respect for the US,” while others simply couldn’t fathom why she skipped over all the other options available, who are currently associated with the sport.

Nevertheless, there were also a handful of fans, who were quite on board with Rapinoe’s idea, expressing that it’s about time Kaepernick gets his shot at redemption.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t the first time Rapinoe, who recently had her No. 15 jersey retired by Seattle Reign FC, has endorsed Kaepernick.

Rapinoe once showered praise on Kaepernick’s vegan ice cream flavor

Back in 2021, the popular ice cream brand Ben and Jerry’s introduced a new vegan flavor called “Change the Whirled,” which celebrates the campaign led by Kaepernick against systematic racism toward black individuals.

This caramel-based ice cream featured fudge chips, graham cracker swirls, and chocolate cookie swirls, with the proceeds going to Kaepernick’s ‘Know Your Rights’ campaign.

Before its official release in January 2021, a few athletes and celebrities, including Rapinoe, had the opportunity to taste the ice cream. She later voiced her support via Instagram, declaring, “Yes, it’s bomb!!”

It’s also important to remember that Rapinoe was one of the first athletes to join Kaepernick’s protest by kneeling during the National Anthem in 2016. She later told American Soccer Now: “It was very intentional.”

A few years later, when Glamour magazine honored Rapinoe as the Women of the Year, she singled out the quarterback in her speech. “I don’t feel like I would be here without him,” she said.

Arguably, Rapinoe feels a connection with Kaepernick because he has also faced discrimination due to his stance, whether political or not, something she has similarly endured over the years.