Flag football is coming to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and on Tuesday at the Spring League Meetings, NFL clubs voted to allow NFL players to participate.
"It's an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "I know first-hand that the inclusion of flag football in the Olympics has sparked a tremendous amount of excitement among NFL players interested in the chance to compete for their country on the world stage. We are thrilled that they will now have that chance."
This will be the first time flag football will be included in the Olympic Games, and the NFL will work in conjunction with the NFL Players Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and Olympic authorities regarding NFL player participation in the games.
"There is no question that the 2028 Flag Football tournament at the LA28 Games will be one of the most exciting competitions in Olympic history, and the inclusion of NFL players will bring it to new heights," said LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman. "This milestone would not have been possible without the support of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL Players Association, its club owners and most importantly, the athletes, who we'll look forward to watching on the field in 2028."
Any NFL player interested in participating would do so with the countries' team and their involvement begins during the tryout or qualification time ahead of the Olympic Games.
"I warmly welcome the outcome of this vote, which promises to add another dimension to what is already shaping up to be a game-changing debut for flag football at the Olympic Games," said IFAF President Pierre Trochet. "The National Football League is home to the biggest stars in American football, who come from more and more countries, and now have the opportunity to shine on the greatest stage in world sport, showcasing everything that makes flag football a genuine worldwide phenomenon. IFAF's 75 national federations join me in thanking our NFL partners for this further demonstration of their commitment to flag football in the Olympic movement. We will work together to ensure our sport contributes a defining element of LA28's success."
Players have taken part in flag football during the Pro Bowl Games the last three years, something many have enjoyed, as quite a few NFL players started out playing flag football.
"Almost everyone starts out playing flag," said safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in February. "That is how I started. I know most of the people that play football started off playing flag. It was my introduction to playing football and I definitely enjoyed it."
