When the idea of flag football debuting at the 2028 Olympic Games surfaced, players around the NFL buzzed with excitement for their chance represent their country on a national stage. Now, those dreams and rumors have become reality.
Flag football will be recognized as an official event at the games in Los Angeles three years from now. While athletes in the NFL are more versed in tackle football, it does not seem many will pass on this opportunity if it comes.
That leaves fans theorizing which stars will make up this inaugural team, leading to the question of who will be under center for this landmark football moment?
What some may consider insignificant, the first quarterback to take those snaps will have meaning. Of course, there are options aplenty, but Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes should be a primary focus for the nod.
Mahomes will be in his 30s by the time the games roll around. However, it makes sense that a quarterback that has defined a generation has some say here.
The Chiefs' quarterback previously expressed his skepticism on joining Team USA. But NFL insider Jeff Darlington believes the pendulum could start swinging the other way.
“I think it adds something to a resumé that maybe the average American doesn’t understand. It’s the same thing in golf, they treasure that gold medal. It’s like a major to them, and it’s something different.
And I think that that is a factor that when it comes up, I think that people are going to be surprised the level of interest that there is. Mahomes I think wants to do it. I really do.”
His own resumé may come into play here. Assuming he wins a gold medal, it will be an honor no other quarterbacks will lay claim to. For someone regarded in the same category as the legends of the game, including Tom Brady, Joe Montana and the rest, this has to come into consideration to some extent.
That's not to say Mahomes is merely driven by individual accolades. But he has climbed the mountain top of the league three times now. More Super Bowls do not change much about his legacy until he catches those legends and ultimately Brady.
Yet, none of them will win a coveted gold medal.
Patrick Mahomes And The Olympics
Patrick Mahomes And The Olympics
By Tony Fisher
Mobility plays a major factor in this altered version of the sport and at age 32, he will not be the same player that he is heading into 2025. But if Mahomes is willing and able to compete, he may take priority when assembling the roster with a chance not only to help Team USA win but add to his legacy as well.