CLEVELAND, Ohio — NFL players will be allowed to play at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Games.
Though, not just in any event, but in the first flag football event.
“I think this news represents a great opportunity for the sport, for the NFL,” Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters Tuesday after the announcement. “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.”
In October 2023, the International Olympic Committee voted to add flag football to the ’28 Summer Olympics. It was just a matter of NFL players being allowed to play in it.
Were there any NFL owners against the opportunity of players playing? Nope, all 32 owners reportedly agreed to it. Numerous players have shown interest in taking part in the event. From quarterback Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs to wide receiver of the Miami Dolphins Tyreek Hill.
Even Browns’ cornerback Denzel Ward wants a part in it, and spoke on the matter in 2024.
“No question, I think the (United States) will definitely be elite at flag football, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it comes about, I’m definitely looking to be a part of (it),” Ward said.
While the Olympics introduces flag football to those who’ve never heard of the sport, NFL players are all too familiar with the game. The NFL had incorporated flag football into its Pro Bowl Games.
In September 2022, the NFL announced its intention to switch from a regular Pro Bowl football game to a non-contact flag football game.
The last couple years, the Pro Bowl has ended with a high-scoring game, which includes an offensive and defensive MVP.
And now, NFL players will be able to translate that play versus the best the rest of the world has to offer.
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