NFL: Flag football will debut in the Olympic Games in two short years. It has been decided that each franchise will be able to include one active player. That means no teammates from any of the 32 teams will be able to participate.
These are the details.
Also Read: Eagles Wide Receiver Fakes An Injury At Practice (Video)
Feb 3, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at a fan forum event with the Walter Payton Man of the Year finalists at the House of Blues in preparation for Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Players To Participate In Olympics
“Absolutely,” Goodell told Suzy Schuster during a recent interview on Women’s Sports Now. “We approved it a year ago, and I’ve had a lot of players that have said, ‘We want to participate in that.’ It sets up really well because it’s before [training] camps. It’ll be the first week of the Olympics . . . .
“Listen, these players are competitors, and they love the big stage. And to win a gold medal, or any medal, is something I think they would all treasure, and they talk about it all the time. So I absolutely believe we’re gonna have players in the Olympics — active players and probably some retired players.”
In the coming months, USA Football is expected to announce the Olympic selection procedures. By then, active NFL players will be able to assess their willingness and capability to actually commit to to the team.
Another question is whether NFL players will be superior to flag football players. In a recent interview, flag standout Darrell “Housh” Doucette estimated that one or two NFL players would ultimately be included on the Olympic roster.
Incorporating flag football into the Olympics will help fuel the continued global growth of the sport, regardless of whether active (or retired) NFL players are involved. This is why the NFL supports it – and why the league will soon be launching professional flag football leagues for men and women.
“I’ve had a lot of players that have said, ‘We want to participate in that‘,” Goodell confirmed. “These players are competitors, and they love the big stage. To win a gold medal or any medal is something I think they would all treasure. They talk about it all the time.
Related Reading:
13-Year Super Bowl Champ Signs With ESPN On Multi-Million Dollar Deal (Breaking)