The 2028 Olympics are set to add the sport of Flag Football, and now the NFL is going to be getting involved.
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Owners voted on a proposal to allow professional NFL players to compete and represent the United States in the Olympics, which was approved unanimously.
According to NFL insider Albert Breer, all 32 owners approved the proposal to allow professional players to seek their chance at an Olympic medal.
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The NFL released a statement on the historic decision.
"NFL clubs voted today at the Spring League Meeting in Eagan, Minnesota to permit the participation of NFL players in flag football at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles (LA28).
"The approved resolution authorizes the league to work with the NFL Players Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and the relevant Olympic authorities to implement rules governing the participation of NFL players in flag football, which makes its Olympic debut in 2028."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also commented on the decision.
"It's an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "I know first-hand that the inclusion of flag football in the Olympics has sparked a tremendous amount of excitement among NFL players interested in the chance to compete for their country on the world stage. We are thrilled that they will now have that chance.
According to the release, the NFL players who will be able to participate in the Olympics for Flag Football will be decided officially, "selected by each countries' National Olympic Committees based on the proposal by the respective National Federations."
IFAF (International Federation of American Football) President Pierre Trochet also stated:
"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," said IFAF President Pierre Trochet. "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."
The release also states that the format for Flag Football will consist of six men's teams and six women's teams, composed of 10 players per team, with the game itself a five-on-five format.
Though there is plenty of time between now and the Summer Olympics in July 2026, there are going to be updates about multiple NFL players trying out in the coming months.
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This story was originally published May 20, 2025 at 1:16 PM.