NFL players are likely to compete in flag football in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed.
Flag football, a non-contact version of gridiron, was one of five new sports added to the LA '28 program.
Soon after its inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly being part of it but the logistical issues had cast uncertainty around the idea.
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Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it.
The big question was - will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit?
"I think that's something that we'll continue to discuss with, not just the union, but also the clubs," Goodell said. "I think both of those are things that we'll probably resolve sometime in the next 60 days."
Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys. Getty
He added: "I've heard directly from a lot of players who want to participate and represent their country, whether it's United States or the country that they came from."
It's understood the NFL is looking at including injury protections for teams and players while navigating the Olympics schedule, which might conflict with the start of NFL training camp.
The Games are scheduled for July 14-30, 2028.
Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals. Getty
Many US-born players also qualify for other nations through their family's heritage and have already expressed interest in participating.
Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons even said he plans to "take a break from football to prepare for the Olympics" in 2027.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow have also expressed a willingness to compete.
The interest is not only confined to the United States, with Aussie athletes also looking to get to Los Angeles 2028.
Speaking to the BBC in 2024, American Football Australia chief executive Wade Kelly said more than 100 professionals from ball-carrying sports have asked about playing in LA.
"Many of them are NFL fans and they've realised they could play against Patrick Mahomes or Tyreek Hill," Kelly said.