NFL players might soon be taking their talents to the Olympic stage.
This week, NFL owners unanimously approved a proposal allowing players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The decision paves the way for some of the league’s top athletes to compete for gold medals while showcasing American football to a global audience.
Flag football, a fast-paced 5-on-5 variation played on a 50-yard field, was recently added to the Olympic program for 2028. NFL players have already been getting a taste of the game during the past three Pro Bowls, which featured flag football under a new format.
“I think the world finally has an opportunity to see the greatest athletes in the world participate,” said Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations.
The Olympic flag football tournaments will feature six men’s and six women’s teams, each with 10-player rosters selected by national committees. To ensure fairness, only one player per NFL team will be allowed for each country.
The timing couldn’t be better. With the Olympics scheduled for July 14 to 30, the flag football events would conclude before NFL teams report to training camp. This scheduling makes it feasible for players to represent their countries without conflicting with their professional commitments.
There’s historical precedent for NFL players participating in the Olympics. Safety Nate Ebner played rugby for Team USA at the 2016 Rio Games while with the New England Patriots, and running back Herschel Walker competed in bobsledding at the 1992 Winter Olympics during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the NFL continues to expand its global reach, allowing players to compete in the Olympics could further boost the sport’s international popularity. Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s executive vice president of club business and league events, noted that plans are already in place to coordinate scheduling and safety with the NFL Players Association and Olympic authorities.
“I do believe you’ll see hands go up from those who are not just currently playing but those veterans, those individuals who have not had the professional career they were looking to have,” Vincent added, expressing optimism about player interest.
With this groundbreaking decision, fans around the world can look forward to seeing their favorite NFL stars don national colors and compete for Olympic glory in 2028.
