Flag Football at the 2028 Summer Olympics

There’s a new favorite in the flag football scene for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics.

On Tuesday, NFL owners gave the green light for NFL players to participate in the summer games.

Flag football is set to make its debut three years after the Olympics returns to Los Angeles, the first time since 1984.

NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell commented, “Players have expressed their great desire for the honor of competing in the Olympics. We are excited that our members can represent our country on the best international stage. We look forward to working with the league, IFAF, and Olympic officials on the terms of participation to ensure that competing players provide health, safety, and job protection.”

Justin Jefferson, an NFL player, described his excitement upon hearing he could participate by saying it was “unspeakable.” He shared that the thought of playing in the Olympics and winning gold is a dream come true.

The league has been playing around with flag football, even transforming the Pro Bowl into skill competitions that include a flag football match.

Recently, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned that the idea of competing at the summer Olympics has generated significant interest within the league. He indicated that there may be a resolution on the matter soon, as many players want to represent their country, whether that’s for their hometown or the nation as a whole.

Several players, including Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts, have shown enthusiasm for this new opportunity, with Hurts recently named as the Flag Football Ambassador.