NFL Unanimously Allows Players in 2028 Olympic Flag Football

The NFL has unanimously approved a resolution allowing its players to compete in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, marking a major milestone for the sport's global expansion. Each NFL team can contribute one player plus an international player to their country's flag football roster, with the NFL and NFL Players Association collaborating to ensure player safety, injury protections, and logistical standards for the Olympic event. Flag football, a non-contact, fast-paced variant of American football emphasizing passing and strategy without linemen or kicking, has grown rapidly worldwide, with over 20 million players and significant international participation. The inclusion of NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce is anticipated to boost excitement, though the unique rules and format suggest that coaching the Olympic flag football team may require expertise different from traditional NFL coaching. The NFL commissioner and players' union both expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity to showcase American football on the Olympic stage and foster global interest in the sport. Fans have eagerly begun debating potential players and coaching staff for the Team USA flag football squad, reflecting widespread anticipation ahead of LA28.