Megan Rapinoe Says Injury 3 Minutes Into Her Final Game Is 'Proof' God Does Not Exist

Megan Rapinoe tore her Achilles tendon in her final career match. During the National Women's Soccer League Championship, she referred to getting the "Aaron Rodgers treatment" for recovery. 

Despite the unfortunate incident, Rapinoe managed to find humor, expressing disbelief in a higher power.

Her impact transcends sports, marked by advocacy for Black Lives Matter, coming out as a lesbian in 2012, and defending patriotism amid controversies. Now retired, Rapinoe leaves a legacy as a complex and outspoken advocate.

Rapinoe, the prominent U.S. soccer star, tried to find humor in an injury where she tore her Achilles during the final match of her career on Saturday. 

The incident occurred in the sixth minute as OL Reign faced defeat against Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League Championship.

In the post-match press conference, the winger humorously mentioned getting the "Aaron Rodgers treatment" for recovery and, despite describing the situation as unfortunate, managed to laugh it off with a candid remark about divine intervention.

"I'm not a religious person or anything and if there was a god, like, this is proof that there isn't," she said, per Daily Mail. "This is f----- up. It's just f----- up. Six minutes in and I eat my Achilles."

Rapinoe suffered the non-contact injury during an attempt to make a defensive play at the game, marking the end of her illustrious career.

Before exiting the field for the last time, the FIFA Women's World Cup shared a poignant hug with former USWNT teammate Ali Krieger, who was also playing her final professional game for Gotham FC.

Describing the injury to The Seattle Times, Rapinoe noted: "That's what it felt like. Just a huge pop and I can't even feel where the Achilles is, but pretty sure I tore my Achilles. The worst possible outcome."

Despite the devastating exit from a final, she acknowledged her deep sense of humor, adding: "Thank God I have a f----- deep well of a sense of humor. It's devastating to go out in a final so early."

Rapinoe injected dark humor and self-deprecation into the situation with her trademark style, downplaying the emotional impact of her shocking injury.

"I wasn't overly emotional about it," she said. "I mean, f----- yeeted my Achilles in the sixth minute in my last game ever in the literal championship game."

While reflecting on the injury, the 38-year-old quipped, "I guess I just rode until the wheels came right off! Now I'm just a NARP, a normal-a-- regular person, having to do rehab, which is f----- devastating."

Despite the challenging circumstances, Rapinoe emphasized that "You gotta find the silver lining and the dark humor," and "That's just who I am as well," she added.

However, during her final press conference, she couldn't contain her emotions, tearing up as she approached the NWSL Final against Gotham FC.

Now retired, Rapinoe's impact extends beyond her athletic prowess. Her legacy reflects a complex and outspoken athlete committed to both excellence and societal progress.

She is a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and faced criticism for kneeling during the national anthem in 2016.

In 2012, the U.S. player courageously came out as a lesbian, confronting backlash from anti-LGBT detractors. 

In another incident in 2019 at the Women's World Cup, she defended her patriotism, describing herself as "particularly and uniquely and very deeply American."

In an interview, she said: "If we want to talk about the ideals that we stand for, the song and the anthem, and what we were founded on, I think I'm extremely American."

However, she acknowledged her imperfections but emphasized the continual quest for improvement. 

"Yes, we are a great country, and there are many things that are so amazing and I feel very fortunate to be in this country. I would never be able to do this in a lot of other places," she said.

"But also, that doesn't mean we can't get better. It doesn't mean we shouldn't always strive to be better," Rapinoe added.

We wish her a happy retirement!