The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will feature a new sport: flag football. This is a variant of American football that involves less physical contact and more speed and agility. The sport has been growing in popularity around the world, and now it has a chance to showcase its best players on the Olympic stage. But who will those players be? Could we see some NFL stars representing their countries in flag football? According to a high-ranking NFL official, the answer is yes.
NFL Supports Flag Football in Olympics
Speaking at the NFL’s fall meetings in New York earlier this week, executive vice president Peter O’Reilly said the league will be working with the NFL Players Association and USA Football to create a system that will welcome pro football players to compete in the Games in ’28.
“We’re committed to growing flag football around the world,” O’Reilly said. “The Olympic decision accelerates that. We do see it as a long-term commitment as we move forward. And it’s not just about 2028 and that July.”
O’Reilly said the league has already heard from players who are interested in being on Team USA in LA. “We understand the desire,” O’Reilly told Front Office Sports. “We think it’s a great opportunity because the player interest is real and palpable. There’s a desire to work through with these stakeholders and get to that outcome for July [2028]. There was a lot of excitement, as you might expect, from great NFL athletes and NFL legends who love the idea of representing their country on an Olympic stage.”
Flag Football: A Different Kind of Football
Flag football is a sport that involves two teams of five players each, who try to score points by advancing the ball across the opponent’s goal line or catching it in the end zone. The main difference from traditional American football is that instead of tackling, players pull flags attached to the ball carrier’s belt to stop them. This reduces the risk of injury and allows for more fast-paced and creative plays.
Flag football has been played for decades as a recreational sport, but it has also developed into a competitive one, with national and international tournaments organized by various governing bodies. The International Federation of American Football (IFAF), based in France, is the official body recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for flag football.
The IFAF has been promoting flag football as an Olympic sport since 2017, when it submitted its proposal to the IOC. The IOC approved flag football as a provisional sport for the 2028 Olympics in October 2023, along with breakdancing, skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing. The IOC said these sports were chosen to appeal to younger audiences and reflect the diversity of Los Angeles.
Challenges and Opportunities for NFL Players
While flag football may seem like an easy transition for NFL players, there are some challenges and opportunities involved. First, there is the issue of eligibility and selection. The IFAF would have to allow NFL players to participate in Olympic qualifying events, which are expected to start in 2025. The IOC would have to approve the qualifying procedures as well. Then, it would be up to USA Football, the national governing body for American football, to decide whether to include NFL players on its Olympic team. The NFL and the NFLPA would also likely have to agree on terms for player participation.
Second, there is the issue of timing and availability. The Los Angeles Olympics are scheduled to take place in the second half of July in 2028. That’s typically when preseason training camps open for NFL teams. O’Reilly said the league would try to accommodate players who want to compete in the Olympics by adjusting the reporting dates for training camps. However, some teams or coaches may not be willing to let their star players miss part of their preparation for the season. Some players may also prefer to focus on their NFL careers rather than risk injury or fatigue in another competition.
Third, there is the issue of adaptation and competition. Flag football is not exactly the same as traditional American football. It requires different skills and strategies, such as speed, agility, coordination, and creativity. Some NFL players may have an advantage over others in these aspects, depending on their position and role on their team. For example, wide receivers like Tyreek Hill or Odell Beckham Jr., who are known for their explosive speed and spectacular catches, may excel in flag football more than offensive linemen or linebackers.
Moreover, NFL players would not only compete against each other, but also against other countries that have strong flag football programs. Some of these countries include Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Israel, Denmark, France, and Germany. These countries have been playing flag football for years, and have developed their own styles and tactics. They may have an edge over NFL players who are new to the sport or unfamiliar with the rules and nuances.
A New Olympic Dream for Football Fans
Despite the challenges, flag football in the Olympics offers a new opportunity for NFL players and fans to enjoy the sport in a different way. It also offers a chance for flag football players and fans around the world to showcase their talent and passion on the biggest stage. Flag football in the Olympics could be a win-win situation for everyone involved, as long as the stakeholders work together to make it happen.
Flag football in the Olympics could also spark more interest and participation in the sport at the grassroots level, especially among young people who may not have access to or interest in traditional American football. Flag football is a sport that can be played by anyone, regardless of age, gender, size, or skill level. It is a sport that promotes fitness, teamwork, creativity, and fun. It is a sport that could inspire a new generation of Olympic athletes and fans.
