NFL to allow players to participate in flag football at 2028 Olympics

The NFL has officially approved allowing NFL players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Olympics. League owners voted in favor of this resolution at their recent meeting in Minneapolis. The decision required support from at least 24 of the 32 team owners, which it comfortably secured, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

This approval sets the stage for detailed negotiations with the NFL Players Association, Olympic committees, and other relevant authorities. The move comes amid ongoing efforts by the league to expand American football’s global reach, with the Olympics providing a prime platform.

NFL’s rules for Olympic flag football participation explained clearly

ESPN sources: A vote to allow NFL players to participate in flag football for the first time during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles is expected to pass at today’s league meeting in Minneapolis. Nothing is official yet, but as one source said about today’s vote, “Olympics… pic.twitter.com/SiV8ut3IyZ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 20, 2025

The resolution outlines clear guidelines for NFL player involvement in Olympic flag football. Key points include:

• Only one NFL player per team will be allowed on each country’s national squad.
  
  
• Teams' designated international players may play for their respective home countries.
  
  
• Players currently under NFL contracts can participate in tryouts.
  
  
• NFL will arrange injury insurance coverage specifically for participating players.
  
  
• Salary cap credits will be given to teams if their players are injured during Olympic events.
  
  
• Olympic medical staff and playing fields must meet the NFL’s minimum standards.
  
  
• The Olympic schedule should not conflict significantly with the NFL’s regular commitments.
  
  

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and influential owners, including Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, have openly supported player involvement at the Olympics. During a league meeting in Palm Beach last month, Goodell emphasized the potential benefits of showcasing NFL talent internationally through flag football.

The Los Angeles Olympics are scheduled from July 14 to July 30, 2028. Typically, NFL players are off during this period, although there could be minor overlap with training camps.

NFL stars like Jalen Hurts and Ja’Marr Chase are prime candidates for 2028 Olympic roster

NFL players will be allowed to participate in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. For the first time ever, NFL players can play for Team USA at the Olympics and compete for an Olympic gold medal. pic.twitter.com/DwsQ9tFhHj

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) May 20, 2025

With Olympic flag football teams expected to have limited rosters, selecting versatile and elite players becomes crucial. Here are potential standout candidates who could represent Team USA:

• Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
  Jalen Hurts stands out as an ideal quarterback candidate due to his exceptional dual-threat capabilities. Hurts is not only athletic, but he is also already involved in promoting Olympic flag football for the NFL. The league has prominently featured him in their promotional campaigns for the 2028 Summer Games.
  
  
• Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
  Chase, coming off an impressive season with league-leading stats—127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns—would likely dominate in the flag football format. At age 28 in 2028, Chase would still be in prime form, making him an obvious choice for Team USA.
  
  
• Travis Hunter Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver and cornerback
  Travis Hunter Jr. could be invaluable due to his rare skill in playing both offense and defense effectively. Despite not yet having played an NFL game, Hunter’s outstanding collegiate performances as the 2024 Heisman winner suggest he would excel internationally on both sides of the ball.
  
  
• Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions running back
  Jahmyr Gibbs fits perfectly into the Olympic flag football scheme because of his dual-threat running and receiving skills. Gibbs, just 23 in 2024, has already shown elite agility and speed, making him an asset for this fast-paced, pass-heavy game.
  
  
• Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos cornerback
  As the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II offers Team USA elite coverage skills and athleticism. He consistently ranks among the NFL’s best cornerbacks, making him essential for any defensive strategy in the Olympics.
  
  
• Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders tight end
  After a stellar rookie season with 112 receptions and five touchdowns, Bowers demonstrated rare talent. At just 25 years old during the 2028 Games, his exceptional receiving skills would challenge any international opponent’s defense.
  
  

Injury concerns already voiced by Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh could influence participation57
Despite the excitement around NFL involvement in Olympic flag football, some NFL coaches remain cautious about risking their star players. Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh openly expressed hesitation about allowing Lamar Jackson, his star quarterback, to compete.

"I'm afraid I have a quarterback that'd probably be pretty good at [flag football], so, no, I'm not that excited about that in all honesty," Harbaugh told ESPN. "I believe in America. I want gold medals, but…"

This cautious attitude from teams suggests the practicalities of participation might prove challenging for certain top-tier players. While negotiations between the NFL and the NFL Players Association move forward, these injury-related concerns will undoubtedly be a major topic of discussion.

Ultimately, the league’s decision marks a significant step toward globalizing American football by leveraging the Olympic platform. However, player availability and injury concerns will likely remain central issues as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics draw closer.