Olympic Aspirations for NFL Players
The Winter Olympics are on the horizon, and, of course, the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles aren’t too far behind either. With the exciting addition of flag football to the Olympic program, many NFL players are being asked if they’re keen on participating.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jackson Smith-Njigba, who has made quite a name for himself this season as the NFL’s leading receiver, is among those interested in this new Olympic event.
During a media session on Monday night for Super Bowl LX, Smith-Njigba answered quickly when asked if he would be willing to join. “I will,” he said without hesitation.
However, when the conversation shifted to his ideal teammate for this Olympic journey, he mentioned his best friend Garrett Wilson, also a receiver, who plays for the New York Jets. Interestingly, Smith-Njigba, if given the chance, might choose to fill his entire team with fellow Buckeyes alumni.
Yet, he didn’t stop there. He also expressed a hope that someone who has retired might make a comeback. “I think Tom Brady will probably come back, which would be great,” he speculated.
As it turns out, Brady is indeed heading back to competitive play, slated to play flag football next month at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for March 21 at the Kingdom Arena.
He’ll have some star NFL company, including names like Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, Christian McCaffrey, and Maxx Crosby.
“With the Olympics coming up in 2028, this will be the first time that all NFL players will have a chance to be involved in the Olympics,” Brady mentioned back in September 2025. His enthusiasm for flag football is palpable. “I’ve always admired how it brings people together, and it’s fantastic to showcase the sport internationally with such talented athletes.”
Rob Gronkowski, a key player during Brady’s earlier career, shared that Brady even invited him to join for the event in the Middle East.
As for whether Brady will add Olympic athlete to his impressive list of achievements, well, that remains to be seen. Perhaps, just perhaps, Smith-Njigba will have something special planned for this Sunday’s game against Brady’s former team, the New England Patriots, in Super Bowl LX.
