NFL Owners Unanimously Approve Olympic Flag Football Participation

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the NFL owners approving Olympic flag football participation.

The NFL has officially approved player participation in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone for the sport. This decision, made on May 20, 2025, was unanimously supported by all 32 NFL team owners. Each team is permitted to send one player, including international players, to represent their respective countries. Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized that this move is a step toward globalizing the sport and expanding its reach worldwide.

Prominent NFL players such as Tyreek Hill, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Justin Jefferson have expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of competing for Olympic gold. Jefferson described the opportunity as a "dream," while Hill has been vocal about assembling a "super team" to represent the United States.

However, the inclusion of NFL players has sparked discussions within the flag football community. Veteran flag football athletes like Darrell Doucette have pointed out that success in traditional football doesn't necessarily translate to flag football, and they are eager to compete against NFL stars for Olympic spots.

As the 2028 Olympics approach, the process for selecting Team USA will be determined by USA Football in collaboration with the IFAF and the NFL Players Association. Key considerations will include injury protection, salary cap implications, and scheduling to avoid conflicts with NFL commitments. The inclusion of flag football in the Olympics is expected to elevate the sport's profile and inspire a new generation of athletes worldwide.

Are you in favor of NFL players being used in Olympics for flag football?