The NFL has officially passed a resolution that will allow players to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics and beyond in flag football. While it remains to be seen how many players will participate, it’s always fun to speculate who might be on the 2028 roster.
While you would think players like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Patrick Surtain II would be on the team, that might not be a lock given their age and their star power going into the 2028 Olympics. Jefferson and Chase will both be 28 during the 2028 Olympics, and while that’s not old, the league might prefer to send younger players.
One player who could be a possible option for the 2028 Summer Olympics is Maxwell Hairston, the first-round pick by the Buffalo Bills during the 2025 NFL Draft. In a recent article by Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, he wrote about the best options for the 2028 Olympic roster. Not surprisingly, Hairston's name was on the list. Here is what he had to say about Buffalo's first-round pick and why he could be in consideration for a spot:
"The defensive selections also prioritized athleticism. Whereas some of the NFL's top defenders, like Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt, feast in part because of their physical strength, our picks -- like Nolan Smith off the edge and incoming Bills rookie Maxwell Hairston -- entered the league with near-record-breaking speed and explosiveness. Their ability to fly around the field could translate seamlessly to flag football, where keeping pace with another high-energy unit is key."
Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports
It's not hard to understand why Hairston would be a potential option for the Olympics. His elite speed and quickness translate well to flag football. He ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine with an absurd 39.5-inch vertical. But that’s not the only reason why Hairston makes sense for the Olympic team.
Hairston was a prolific wide receiver and defensive back in high school, playing both ways for the majority of his career. According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Hairston played on a 7-on-7 circuit and scored eight touchdowns on offense during his senior season. In flag football, versatility is key because the rosters are small, and players need to be able to contribute in multiple ways. Having an athlete like Hairston on the field who can play both wide receiver and cornerback is a must.
2028 is still a long way away, but it’s not hard to envision Hairston being an option for the Olympic Team, should he perform well in the NFL. We should fully expect to hear his name more often as we get closer to the summer games in a few years.
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