NFL owners unanimously approve Olympic flag football participation

NFL owners unanimously approve Olympic flag football participation

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 compeтιтions — 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 ᴀssociation 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 compeтιтion, 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.

Related Posts

Chiefs star breaks silence on impending jail sentence after causing crash on Dallas highway

Chiefs star breaks silence on impending jail sentence after causing crash on Dallas highway

Kansas City Chiefs star Rashee Rice insists he’s ‘completely changed’ since his hit-and-run crash on a Dallas highway that was captured in a viral video last year….

Jerry Jones risks more outrage from Cowboys stars after brutal take on Micah Parsons’ trade request

Jerry Jones risks more outrage from Cowboys stars after brutal take on Micah Parsons’ trade request

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has delivered a brutal verdict on Micah Parsons’ decision to submit an official trade request.  The Cowboys’ top defensive star, 26, had…

Kelce family in mourning as Ed Kelce’s partner dies

Kelce family in mourning as Ed Kelce’s partner dies

Ed Kelce, the father of Travis and Jason, has announced the death of his partner, Maureen Maguire.  Kelce shared an obituary on his Facebook page on Saturday…

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel sends warning to Tua Tagovailoa after Donald Trump called out NFL quarterback

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel sends warning to Tua Tagovailoa after Donald Trump called out NFL quarterback

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel joked that Tua Tagovailoa has been given an ‘executive order’ to avoid getting hurt after Donald Trump told the quarterback he ‘has…

Los Angeles Chargers star Denzel Perryman arrested on felony charge after he is found with five weapons

Los Angeles Chargers star Denzel Perryman arrested on felony charge after he is found with five weapons

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman was arrested around 9:30 p.m. Friday night in Inglewood, California on a felony charge after he was found with five weapons in…

Shedeur Sanders suffers injury setback as he battles for NFL starting spot with Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders suffers injury setback as he battles for NFL starting spot with Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders is suffering from a shoulder issue that has forced the Cleveland Browns quarterback to miss part of training camp. Sanders is locked in a four-way…