NFL players have been chasing after that coveted Lombardi Trophy and Super Bowl championship ring for years. But now, they have a new goal in sight – winning an Olympic gold medal. The NFL recently announced that players will have the opportunity to compete in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This decision was made during league meetings in Minneapolis, where team owners voted to allow NFL players to participate in the Olympic event.
The specifics of which players will be able to join the flag football competition have not been finalized yet. The NFL, NFL Players Association, Olympic officials, and national governing bodies will need to come to an agreement on the resolution. The NFL is proposing limits on the number of players from each team that can participate, suggesting only one player per NFL team can join each national team. Additionally, all players under contract will have the chance to try out for the Olympics.
In addition to setting participation parameters, the NFL is also focusing on safety and insurance precautions. They are requesting that Olympic flag football teams adhere to the league’s minimum standards for medical staff and field surfaces. Insurance policies will be put in place to protect players in case of injury during Olympic-related activities. If a player does get injured, their NFL team at the time will receive a salary cap credit. The league is also asking for a schedule that won’t interfere too much with an NFL player’s commitments to their team. The 2028 Summer Games are scheduled for July 14 to July 30, which shouldn’t conflict too much with the start of training camps in late July. This will give players the chance to represent their country while still fulfilling their NFL responsibilities.
The inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Summer Olympics is a historic moment for both the NFL and the sport of football. The league has been advocating for the International Olympic Committee to include flag football as a way to increase the global popularity of the game. In fact, the NFL even hosted a five-on-five flag football event between Mexican and American national teams in front of Olympic officials prior to Super Bowl LVII in February 2023. The IOC gave the green light for flag football to be part of the 2028 Summer Games in October 2023.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been named the ambassador of flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics, setting the stage for what is sure to be an exciting event. Players like Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Joe Burrow have all expressed interest in participating in the flag football tournament. With the opportunity to compete on a global stage, NFL players are eager to showcase their skills and represent their country in the 2028 Olympics. Get ready for an epic showdown on the flag football field as these athletes aim for Olympic glory.
