Megan Rapinoe honors Brittney Griner at Medal of Freedom ceremony

Megan Rapinoe once called herself a “walking protest.”

So it was no surprise to see the two-time World Cup champion continue her advocacy work during Thursday’s Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony at the White House.

Rapinoe accepted her medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor, while wearing a suit jacket embroidered with Brittney Griner‘s initials.

In recent weeks, pressure has been mounting on President Biden and the White House to prioritize securing Griner’s release from Russia.

“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever, Griner wrote to President Biden in an excerpt of a letter released on July 4.

Earlier on Thursday, Griner pleaded guilty to drug possession charges, a move that has the potential to expedite court proceedings.

Ahead of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, Rapinoe posted a photo of Griner’s embroidered initials on her Instagram story. “(T)he most important part of today,” Rapinoe wrote. “BG We Love You.”

Rapinoe was not alone in honoring — and calling attention to — Griner during Thursday’s ceremony. Sue Bird, Rapinoe’s fiancee and Griner’s Olympic teammate, wore a “We are BG” pin on her own suit jacket during the event.

Simone Biles was also honored on Thursday, becoming the youngest living person to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Follow Alex Azzi on Twitter @AlexAzziNBC