The United States Women’s National Team was eliminated from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup this weekend, which marked the end of USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe. And as she enters into retirement, ESPN gave her a sendoff with a special video.
Following the team’s loss to Sweden, ESPN aired a three-minute segment narrated by Rapinoe’s fiancee, WNBA legend Sue Bird, on Sunday morning paying tribute to Megan Rapinoe for everything she accomplished throughout her 20-year career.
And part of that segment, titled “Unapologetically Rapinoe,” praised Rapinoe for her patriotism and her love for her country.
“Her patriotism has led her to lend her voice to those who need it,” Bird said in the segment. “When she started kneeling to protest racial inequality in the United States, she did it because she loved America and beloved it could be a better version of itself.”
Rapinoe herself expressed just how much it meant to her to have the opportunity to represent the United States all these years.
“I still just feel really grateful and joyful,” Rapinoe said after the loss. “I know it’s the end and that’s sad but to know that this is really the only time I’ve been in one of these this early says so much about how much success I’ve been able to have and just how much I’ve loved playing for this team and playing for this country – it’s been an honor.”
It’s clear that it meant a lot to her to represent her country and she did it with pride.
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