NFL Owners Consider Including Flag Football for Players at Los Angeles Olympics
NFL players may have the opportunity to compete in flag football at the 2028 Olympics. The league is set to review guidelines regarding player participation, injury prevention measures, and field specifications.
Several prominent NFL players have voiced their interest in participating in flag football when the sport makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The league announced on Thursday that team owners will soon review a proposed resolution outlining if—and how—active NFL athletes may take part in the historic event.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has acknowledged the growing excitement and demand among players eager to represent their countries on the Olympic stage. "Well, I’ve heard directly from a lot of players who want to participate and represent their country, whether it’s the United States or a country that they came from," Goodell stated last month. He further noted discussions are ongoing with both the players' union and the league's clubs, expressing confidence that the matter would likely be resolved within two months.
According to the resolution under consideration, each NFL team would be permitted to allow one player from their roster to compete in the 2028 Olympics. Additionally, teams could grant an exemption for designated international players who wish to play for their respective home countries.
The proposal also includes several protections designed to safeguard the interests of participating athletes and their teams:
- Injury protection: Players injured while competing in the Olympics would receive dedicated protection.
- Salary cap credit: Teams would receive a salary cap credit for players who suffer Olympic-related injuries.
- Field standards: Agreements would be implemented regarding the quality and safety of playing surfaces used in Olympic flag football games.
Flag football is set to appear in the Olympics for the first time at the Los Angeles Games, which kick off in mid-July 2028. The inclusion of the sport has generated excitement among football enthusiasts and athletes alike. Notably, the Olympic schedule is not expected to conflict with NFL training camps, minimizing potential disruptions for teams and players.
Alongside flag football, the 2028 Olympics will also introduce four other new sports: baseball/softball, cricket, lacrosse, and squash.
As anticipation builds for the 2028 Games, the NFL community awaits a final decision on whether its top stars will be able to showcase their skills—and national pride—on a global stage.