NFL Stars Set to Shine in Flag Football at LA 2028 Olympics

The possibility of an American football 'Dream Team' competing in the Olympics has taken a significant leap forward. NFL players have been granted permission to participate in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, following a unanimous vote by team owners at the NFL's spring league meeting in Minnesota.

What is Flag Football?

Flag football is a fast-paced, non-contact version of American football, where defenders must pull a 'flag' from the waist of the ball carrier instead of tackling. It is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, with 20 million players worldwide and 31 nations participating in the last Flag Football World Championships.

Olympic Inclusion and NFL Participation

Flag football was added to the LA 2028 Olympic program in October 2023. The NFL has been collaborating with its teams, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), and national federations to ensure player availability. Each participating nation may select one player per NFL team, plus each team's designated international player.

The Road to LA 2028

NFL players will compete for a spot on their national teams through a try-out or qualification process. USA Football's chief executive, Scott Hallenbeck, emphasized the importance of integrating NFL talent with established flag football players to build the best possible national teams.

Player Reactions

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah expressed interest in representing Ghana or the USA at the Olympics. He highlighted the growing talent pool internationally, warning that Team USA will face strong competition. Vikings' star wide receiver Justin Jefferson also shared his excitement about the possibility of winning an Olympic gold medal.

Global Impact

The inclusion of flag football in the Olympics and the participation of NFL players are expected to further popularize the sport globally. The International Federation of American Football (Ifaf) president, Pierre Trochet, noted that this move showcases flag football as a genuine worldwide phenomenon.