In 2016, Rapinoe began to kneel during the national anthem in solidarity with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who started kneeling in order to bring attention to racial inequality. Her protest was met with a fair share of criticism, and Rapinoe later published an essay explaining her decision in The Players' Tribune, saying that protesting felt like her responsibility as someone in a position of influence.
"I can understand if you think that I'm disrespecting the flag by kneeling, but it is because of my utmost respect for the flag and the promise it represents that I have chosen to demonstrate in this way," she said. " . . . I believe it is my responsibility, just as it is yours, to ensure that freedom is afforded to everyone in this country."