One of the biggest talking points this NFL offseason has been the inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles — and whether current NFL players will be allowed, or choose, to participate.
After much speculation, both the International Olympic Committee and the NFL have approved the sport’s addition to the Summer Games, opening the door for pros to compete.
Fans across the league have embraced the idea, eager to see NFL stars suit up for Team USA. However, the situation is more complicated than it appears. The U.S. already has a national flag football team — led by standout quarterback Darrell Doucette — and its players have voiced concern about being pushed aside.
“The flag guys deserve their opportunity. That’s all we want,” Doucette said in a recent interview. “We feel like we’ve worked hard to get the sport to where it’s at. Then, when the NFL guys spoke about it, it felt like we were getting kicked to the side.”
Despite the controversy, there are still several years before final decisions will be made. In the meantime, the Olympics question has become a common one for players at OTAs when stepping up to the podium.
Travis Kelce has openly expressed interest in the idea, saying he would be “intrigued” by the opportunity. But Patrick Mahomes had a different take.
“I’ll probably leave that to the younger guys,” Mahomes said.
Mahomes would be 32 by the time the 2028 Olympics arrive, while Kelce would be 38. Kelce proposed to the idea of an open tryout amongst all potential participants.
"I mean, may the best players play," Kelce said. "Just have a tryout and the best players make the team. He's just boxing out other people from joining the sport because they haven't played the specific style of football?"
Flag football is a much different game than the NFL version, with a stronger emphasis on speed, agility, and open-field play. That naturally excludes certain positions — such as offensive and defensive linemen — and likely rules out many linebackers and tight ends as well.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15).
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15).
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While Mahomes’ mobility and quick decision-making would seemingly make him an ideal fit for flag football, many fans and analysts continue to point to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson as the ideal candidate to lead Team USA.
His elite speed, shiftiness, and creativity in space make him a popular favorite for the starting quarterback spot should NFL players ultimately choose to participate.