Flag football is coming to the Olympics in 2028, and the NFL will be there for the ride.
NFL owners voted unanimously Tuesday to allow players to compete in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the news this afternoon.
"It's an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of the global sport," Goodell said in a statement. "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 NFL, any player participation for their respective countries' flag football teams would begin with a tryout or qualification process. Flag football will consist of six men's and six women's teams with 10 players on a roster and a 5-on-5 format.
Each participating nation may choose one player per NFL roster, and the rosters will be selected by each country's football federation.
The next step for the NFL is to negotiate with the NFLPA and Olympic officials on the specifics for player participation, including injury and salary cap concerns, scheduling that will not interfere with players' commitments to their NFL teams and insurance policies for players who plan to participate.
"To think about the chance of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal, it's a dream," Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson said Tuesday.
In October 2023, the International Olympic Committee voted to include flag football in the 2028 Summer Olympics for the first time in the history of the event. Since then, the NFL has been working toward this day when its participation would be confirmed.
The 2028 Olympics are scheduled for July 14-30.
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This story was originally published May 20, 2025 at 4:41 PM.