NFL players cleared to compete in flag football at LA28 Olympics

The National Football League (NFL) has officially announced that its players will be eligible to compete in flag football at the Olympic Games LA 2028. The decision, finalised at the league’s Spring Meeting on 20 May, marks a historic step in the global expansion of the sport.

Under the approved resolution, each NFL team will be permitted to send one player to the Olympics, along with an additional international player if designated. This opens the door for NFL stars to bring their skills on the world’s biggest sporting stage, representing their countries in the debut of flag football as an Olympic event.

"I think this news represents a great opportunity for the sport, for the NFL," Commissioner Roger Goodell said in the NFL statement. "It's truly the next step in making NFL football and football a global sport for men and women of all ages and all opportunities across the globe. We think that's the right thing to do, and this is a big step in accomplishing that."

The decision aligns with the NFL’s vision of expanding its international footprint, generating greater fan engagement, and inspiring new generations of players around the world. The league has already embraced flag football through its Pro Bowl Games format, where the modified version of the sport has been met with overwhelming support from fans and players alike.

"The Olympics are the pinnacle of international sport. For us to be able to participate in that, to have both men's and women's flag teams participating in that from around the world, is a significant moment for us," Goodell said last week.

His words were echoed by IFAF President Pierre Trochet, who released the following statement in conjunction the announcement on Tuesday, "I warmly welcome the outcome of this vote, which promises to add another dimension to what is already shaping up to be a game-changing debut for flag football at the Olympic Games,”

“The National Football League is home to the biggest stars in American football, who come from more and more countries, and now have the opportunity to shine on the greatest stage in world sport, showcasing everything that makes flag football a genuine worldwide phenomenon."

"IFAF’s 75 national federations join me in thanking our NFL partners for this further demonstration of their commitment to flag football in the Olympic movement. We will work together to ensure our sport contributes a defining element of LA28’s success.”

As the countdown to LA28 continues, anticipation is already building for the potential matchups, with NFL stars potentially suiting up for Team USA and other national teams in a quest for Olympic glory.

“There is no question that the 2028 Flag Football tournament at the LA28 Games will be one of the most exciting competitions in Olympic history, and the inclusion of NFL players will bring it to new heights," commented LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman. "This milestone would not have been possible without the support of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL Players Association, its club owners and most importantly, the athletes, who we’ll look forward to watching on the field in 2028.”

Click here to read article