NFL owners unanimously approve Olympic flag football participation

Published 11 hours ago• 3 minute read

The NFL can now look forward to its Gold Medal era.

League owners officially approved a resolution allowing players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles by a 32-0 vote.

A maximum of one player per team would be allowed to participate, with each team’s designated international player being allowed to represent their country, as well.

NFLers have shown their abilities in recent years at the Pro Bowl Games, where flag football is one of the competitions — and they’ve long been keen to get a chance to display a different side of their skills.

AFC wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) of the Miami Dolphins carries the ball against NFC cornerback Tariq Woolen (27) of the Seattle Seahawks and outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith (55) of the Minnesota Vikings during the flag football event at the NFL Pro Bowl on Feb. 5, 2023. AP

“To think about the chance of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal, it’s a dream,” Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson told ESPN of possibly suiting up in the red, white and blue for the Summer Games.

He’s not alone. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill are among those who have expressed interest in participating.

“I would absolutely love it. Every other sport gets an opportunity to win a gold medal,” Minnesota running back Aaron Jones said last month. “And if you’re not serving your country in the military, I feel like that’s the other highest honor.”

The league and players association will still need to iron out some details, including injury protection, salary cap credit and minimum medical and field requirements.

AFC wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7), of the Jacksonville Jaguars, runs away from NFC return specialist KaVontae Turpin, of the Dallas Cowboys, right, during the flag football event at the NFL Pro Bowl, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. AP

The Olympic tournament will also have to take place in a way that “does not unreasonably conflict” with players’ NFL commitments.

Athletes from the NHL, NBA and MLB have long been able to represent their home countries in international competition, with hockey and basketball being big Olympic draws and the sixth edition of the World Baseball Classic slated for 2026.

The NFL’s inclusion in the Olympics isn’t a welcome addition to all, despite the unanimous owners vote.

“At the end of the day, I feel like I’m better than Patrick Mahomes because of my IQ of the game,” Darrell Doucette, QB for the US national flag football team, told TMZ in Aug. 2024. “I know right now he’s the best in the [NFL], I know he’s more accurate, I know he’s got all these intangibles. But when it comes to flag football, I feel like I know more than him.”

NFC wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11), of the Seattle Seahawks, tries to evade AFC safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, of the Pittsburgh Steelers, left, during the flag football event at the NFL Pro Bowl, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. AP

Other rule proposals being voted on by NFL owners at their meeting in Minnesota this week include potentially banning the tush push, expanding onside kick attempts beyond the fourth quarter and possible alterations to playoff seeding.

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