NFL players are heading to the Olympics.
At least, players across the league will have the chance to try out for their home country’s flag football team in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. While only only player from each team is eligible to make the team, which has the chance to grow the sport on the international stage.
Would Travis Hunter be The Ideal Flag Football Player?
Jacksonville Jaguars, Travis Hunter, NFL
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs a route during a rookie minicamp at Miller Electric Center Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
To get a sense for who might ultimately wind up in the starting five for the United States Olympic team, I asked one current NFL Executive, one current NFL Coach, and one current NFL scout which player would be their first selection. The scout’s choice surprised me.
“I’m going with Travis Hunter,” the scout told me shortly after it was announced league owners approved the plan to send players to the Olympics. “Because he can play both ways.”
Jacksonville Jaguars, Travis Hunter
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) can’t haul in a reception during the first organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Monday, May 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla.
Hunter, chosen No. 2 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft has yet to play a down for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but this veteran evaluator clearly is enamored by the former Heisman Trophy winner’s versatility, speed, explosiveness, and ball skills, to make him his cornerstone selection for the flag football team in the Olympics.
Last season at Colorado, Hunter caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards with 15 touchdowns, but might be even better suited to play cornerback–especially at flag football, after pulling down four interceptions, averaging 16.3 yards per return, while breaking up 11 more passes.
Whether Hunter trys out and ultimately makes the flag football team remains to be seen, but his skill set could translate nicely, as the scout suggests.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) walks to his lane during the first organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Monday, May 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs a route during the first organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Monday, May 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla.
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