Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback known for his 2016 protest during the national anthem, recently expressed his frustrations in a lengthy interview on a fringe podcast. The interview, which has since made headlines, revealed Kaepernick’s growing discontent with the state of America and his plans to possibly relocate—this time, to Russia.

Since kneeling during the national anthem as a peaceful protest against racial injustice and police brutality, Kaepernick has been a polarizing figure both on and off the field. Despite his efforts, including donations and collaborations with social justice organizations, Kaepernick feels that his message isn’t resonating. In his words, the disrespect he’s faced since 2016 has reached an all-time high, prompting him to consider leaving the country.

“I’ve tried everything,” Kaepernick said during the podcast, sounding like someone ready to make a drastic change. “I kneeled, I donated, I worked with organizations. But at the end of the day, it feels like the country just isn’t listening. And if America won’t respect me for the work I’ve done, maybe Russia will.”

Kaepernick’s declaration that Moscow might be his next destination raised eyebrows. When asked why he would consider moving to Russia, his response was as enigmatic as it was controversial: “Look, I know what you’re thinking. But hear me out. Russia has this… strength. This toughness. They don’t pretend to care about things they don’t care about. It’s pure. Uncomplicated.”

Kaepernick explained that, in his view, America has become “too soft,” filled with endless political debates and “performative wokeness” that doesn’t translate into real change. “In Russia, you know where you stand. I respect that,” he added.

Kaepernick’s potential move to Russia is not without controversy, as many have pointed out the country’s notorious stance on dissent and its limited tolerance for outspoken figures. In Russia, athletes and activists who challenge the status quo face far graver consequences than being sidelined from sports. Despite these concerns, Kaepernick appears convinced that Russia’s “uncomplicated” approach might be the respect he’s been seeking.

For years, Kaepernick has been more than just a former quarterback; he’s become a powerful voice for social justice, leading numerous campaigns to highlight issues affecting marginalized communities. Despite being effectively blackballed from the NFL, his impact continues to resonate—both as an advocate and a divisive public figure.

Kaepernick’s recent comments have added another layer to his already complex public persona. Whether or not he follows through on his plans to move to Russia remains to be seen, but his statements underscore a broader dissatisfaction with the current state of America. As Kaepernick continues to navigate his role as both a former athlete and an activist, one thing is clear: his journey, like his message, is far from over.