Colin Kaepernick Says He’ll Move to Russia If America Doesn’t Give Him the Respect He Deserves

In a twist that feels too surreal to be real, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has reportedly had enough of the disrespect he’s faced in the U.S. and is now considering relocating to Russia if things don’t improve.

During a lengthy and somewhat baffling interview on a fringe podcast, Kaepernick voiced his frustrations, claiming that despite his efforts over the years—kneeling during the national anthem, donating to causes, and working with social justice organizations—the United States still isn’t respecting him. And if that doesn’t change soon, Moscow may be his next stop.

“I’ve Tried Everything, But America Just Won’t Listen”

Kaepernick became a controversial figure in 2016 when he kneeled during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. His peaceful act of protest sparked a national debate, and he was effectively blackballed from the NFL. Yet, Kaepernick has remained an activist, launching numerous campaigns and using his platform to raise awareness about inequality in America.

“I’ve tried everything,” Kaepernick said during the interview. “I kneeled, I donated, I collaborated with organizations, but it feels like the country just won’t listen. If America won’t respect me for the work I’ve done, maybe Russia will.”

When asked why he would choose Russia of all places, Kaepernick’s response was both cryptic and surprising. “Look, I know what people might think,” he said, pausing dramatically. “But Russia has this strength, this toughness. They don’t pretend to care about things they don’t care about. It’s straightforward, and I respect that.”

Russia: A Curious Choice?

Kaepernick’s comments sparked immediate backlash on social media. Within minutes of the podcast airing, #KapGoesRussian began trending on Twitter, with users expressing everything from disbelief to amusement. Many highlighted the irony of him seeking respect in a country where free speech and dissent are not exactly celebrated.

One user, @NotAClue69, tweeted, “Wait… Kaepernick thinks Russia will respect him more? The same Russia that doesn’t allow free speech? I need to lie down.”

Memes quickly flooded the internet, with photoshopped images of Kaepernick wearing traditional Russian fur hats, throwing footballs in Red Square, and even riding alongside Vladimir Putin on a bear. Some users joked about the situation, with @FreedomFryFan tweeting, “So, when’s the Netflix documentary coming out? ‘From Kneeling to Moscow: The Colin Kaepernick Story.’”

Others took a more serious tone. Supporters of the former quarterback defended his remarks, arguing that while the Russia comment may have been extreme, Kaepernick’s frustration is real. “He’s clearly not serious about moving to Russia,” tweeted @JusticeForAll, “but his point stands—America hasn’t given him the respect he deserves, and he’s fed up.”

Where Does Kaepernick Go From Here?

Whether Kaepernick is serious about relocating to Russia remains to be seen, but his latest remarks have reignited the debate over his role in activism and the state of race relations in America. Despite being out of the NFL since 2016, Kaepernick continues to make waves as both a cultural figure and an outspoken advocate for social justice.

During the podcast, Kaepernick reiterated his desire to return to the NFL but acknowledged that his future might require a new direction. “I’ve been training, I’m ready to play,” he said. “But if the NFL doesn’t want me, and America doesn’t respect me, maybe it’s time to try something new.”

Whether he’ll actually swap the football field for Moscow remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Colin Kaepernick is far from finished. Whether he’s taking a stand on a football field or making headlines with talk of moving to Russia, Kaepernick continues to be a figure who provokes conversation and challenges the status quo.