LOS ANGELES — Between shifting its Pro Bowl competition to a flag football game and showing consistent support for youth flag football leagues, the NFL has made significant commitments to the sport in recent years.
But on Tuesday, it was reported that the league may soon offer its biggest endorsement yet, as it’s expected the NFL will officially allow its players to participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its debut as an Olympic sport.
As first reported by Adam Schefter, a resolution for approval is expected to pass at an upcoming league meeting in Minneapolis, requiring support from at least 24 of the NFL’s 32 owners to be officially ratified.
Some team owners, such as Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, have long envisioned NFL players competing in global flag football events as a way to support the sport’s international growth — and now, that vision appears to be on the verge of becoming reality.
Assuming the league goes through with its proceedings, Team USA will essentially have their pick of the litter as to which NFL stars will don the red, white and blue in 2028, as an estimated 97% of players on NFL rosters are American.
In addition to the official approval for player participation, the proposal includes several logistical provisions, such as a requirement that Olympic flag football teams provide medical staffs and playing surfaces that meet the NFL’s minimum standards, as well as a limit of one player per NFL team on each participating national team.
Other notable topics set to be discussed at the aforementioned meeting include a vote on potentially banning the “Tush Push” play popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as the Detroit Lions’ proposal to re-seed playoff teams as the postseason progresses.
While it may be a while until Team USA Flag Football’s Olympic roster is finalized, the Americans will now be be the overwhelming favorites to capture a gold medal in the competition.