The NFL is about to make Olympic history. For the first time ever, NFL players are expected to participate in the Summer Olympics — but not in the way you might think. It won’t be traditional football. Instead, they’ll play flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
A Vote That’s Expected to Pass
According to multiple reports, NFL owners are expected to approve a resolution allowing contracted players to take part in the Olympics. The vote is taking place at the league meetings in Minneapolis this week, and sources say the decision should be an easy one.
If approved, the NFL will move forward with plans to send some of its biggest stars to compete on the global stage.
How It Will Work
This isn’t a free-for-all. The league has outlined several rules to make the plan safe and structured:
- One player per NFL team can represent a national team.
- International players can play for their home countries.
- Injury insurance will be provided for all players involved.
- Salary cap credits will be given if a player gets hurt.
- NFL-quality medical staff and fields will be required.
- The Olympic schedule can’t interfere too much with NFL duties.
These rules still need to be finalized through negotiations with the NFL Players Association, Olympic committees, and national governing bodies.
Flag Football at the Olympics: What to Expect
Flag football will debut at the 2028 Summer Games, which are scheduled for July 14–30 — a period when NFL players are usually in their offseason or just beginning training camp. That timing makes it more feasible for stars to participate.
The Olympic version of flag football is different from what fans see on Sundays. It’s a fast-paced, 5-on-5 game played on a smaller field (70 by 25 yards) with two 20-minute halves. Tackling is replaced by pulling flags, and teams get four downs to advance.
Will NFL Stars Actually Play?
Some big names have already shown interest. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill have both said they’d love to represent Team USA. With the NFL aiming to grow its global audience, sending stars to the Olympics could be a big move in that direction.
In fact, some believe the U.S. flag football team could become the football equivalent of the 1992 Dream Team in basketball — a squad packed with elite talent, dominating the field and showcasing the sport worldwide.
What Happens to Existing Flag Football Teams?
USA Football already has men’s and women’s national flag football teams, both of which won gold at the 2023 World Championships. Those rosters currently don’t include NFL players. It’s unclear whether those athletes will be replaced, merged, or given other roles if the new Olympic plan moves forward.
Why This Matters
This is more than just an Olympic first. It’s a sign of the NFL’s long-term strategy to go global. With a record seven international games already on the schedule for 2025, allowing NFL players to shine at the Olympics could boost the league’s reach and flag football’s popularity worldwide.
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