Los Angeles, CA
In a historic move that bridges the worlds of professional football and international competition, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Football League (NFL) have officially announced that NFL players will be eligible to compete in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
This marks a groundbreaking moment for both the Olympics and American football, as it will be the first time NFL athletes can represent their countries on the Olympic stage in any format of the sport. The decision comes after flag football was added to the LA28 program last year, part of the Games' initiative to modernize and globalize its offerings.
“This is a monumental step for our sport,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a joint statement with LA28 organizers. “Allowing our athletes to compete for gold on home soil in Los Angeles is not just a win for American football, it’s a win for fans around the world.”
Flag football, a non-contact version of the traditional game, emphasizes speed, agility, and strategy—qualities NFL players possess in abundance. While the format is less physical, it remains highly competitive and has seen a surge in popularity, especially among youth and international teams.
The move is expected to draw global attention and elevate the profile of the sport, which the NFL has been actively promoting abroad through international games and grassroots efforts.
Troy Vincent, the NFL’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations and a vocal advocate for flag football, called the development “a dream realized.”
“For young athletes watching around the world, seeing the best in the game compete on the Olympic stage could inspire a new generation to pick up the flag,” Vincent said.
While exact details regarding team selection, scheduling, and international participation are still being finalized, several top NFL stars have already expressed interest in donning their nation's colors in 2028.
The United States is expected to be a dominant force in the event, but with countries like Mexico, Japan, and Italy developing strong flag football programs, competition could be fierce.
The inclusion of NFL athletes is likely to bring unprecedented viewership and attention to Olympic flag football, positioning LA28 as a uniquely modern and American-flavored edition of the Games.
As preparations continue, one thing is clear: when the world gathers in Los Angeles in 2028, football fans will see history made—one flag at a time.
In a historic move that bridges the worlds of professional football and international competition, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Football League (NFL) have officially announced that NFL players will be eligible to compete in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
This marks a groundbreaking moment for both the Olympics and American football, as it will be the first time NFL athletes can represent their countries on the Olympic stage in any format of the sport. The decision comes after flag football was added to the LA28 program last year, part of the Games' initiative to modernize and globalize its offerings.
“This is a monumental step for our sport,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a joint statement with LA28 organizers. “Allowing our athletes to compete for gold on home soil in Los Angeles is not just a win for American football, it’s a win for fans around the world.”
Flag football, a non-contact version of the traditional game, emphasizes speed, agility, and strategy—qualities NFL players possess in abundance. While the format is less physical, it remains highly competitive and has seen a surge in popularity, especially among youth and international teams.
The move is expected to draw global attention and elevate the profile of the sport, which the NFL has been actively promoting abroad through international games and grassroots efforts.
Troy Vincent, the NFL’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations and a vocal advocate for flag football, called the development “a dream realized.”
“For young athletes watching around the world, seeing the best in the game compete on the Olympic stage could inspire a new generation to pick up the flag,” Vincent said.
While exact details regarding team selection, scheduling, and international participation are still being finalized, several top NFL stars have already expressed interest in donning their nation's colors in 2028.
The United States is expected to be a dominant force in the event, but with countries like Mexico, Japan, and Italy developing strong flag football programs, competition could be fierce.
The inclusion of NFL athletes is likely to bring unprecedented viewership and attention to Olympic flag football, positioning LA28 as a uniquely modern and American-flavored edition of the Games.
As preparations continue, one thing is clear: when the world gathers in Los Angeles in 2028, football fans will see history made—one flag at a time.