The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is an opportunity for the National Football League to widen the reach of the sport through the flag football. However, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is advising the league to slow down and consider the worst scenarios.
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst speaks at a press conference at Lambeau Field on Thursday, March 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. © Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst speaks at a press conference at Lambeau Field on Thursday, March 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. © Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Flag football is one of the discretionary event in the quadrennial sports events and just recently, the league announced that professionals are allowed to join and represent America.
Gutekunst find the prospect of representing the American flag a noble act by anyone. However, he does not want NFL players to become part of it.
“I think overall, [flag football in the Olympics is] a great thing,” Gutenkunst said in a report published by ESPN.
“I’d love it if we kept the NFL players out of it.”
The major concern is players risking their careers.
2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Apr 15, 2019; Inglewood, CA, USA; General overall aerial view of the LA Stadium & Entertainment District construction site. The site will be the home of the Los Angeles Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams plus Super Bowl LVI in 2022 and the College Football National Championship in 2023 and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
There is no history yet of a NFL pro getting hurt in the Olympics but there are some who did get hurt while playing recreational flag football. Most notable case is that of Pro Bowl running back Robert Edwards who was playing for the New England Patriots at that time.
Edwards hurt his ligament and knee and was never the same player again after that.
No Green Bay Packers have declared for Olympics so far
Gutekunst’s worries are valid but he can find personal solace for now on the fact that no Packer has declared themselves ready for the 2028 LA Olympics.
Among the big names who want to play in the event so far are Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill.
Packers legend Aaron Rodgers said he wants to play for the final team, too.
Former Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers
Only five players have won back back-to-back NFL MVP awards. Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was the last to do it in 2020-2021.
Some NFL coaches also find the prospect of playing for the blue, red, and white stripes prideful and beneficial to the league in the grand scheme of things.
“That’s exciting and positive for the NFL,” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. “I can see that and identify with that real quick… I’m a fan of what the Olympics can do for interest in your sport.”
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