For the first time ever, NFL athletes are allowed to represent their countries in Olympic competition—right here in Los Angeles. The league is preparing to approve a resolution that would permit contracted NFL players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Olympics, marking a major crossover between pro football and the world’s biggest sporting stage.
NFL Olympics Plan Advances Ahead of 2028 Games in L.A.
The 2028 Summer Olympics will include flag football for the first time. NFL owners have voted in favor of allowing player participation. The support of the NFLPA and Olympic organizers is still to be negotiated. League sources say the resolution easily received the required approval from at least 24 of 32 team owners.
This development is huge for Los Angeles. As the host city, L.A. could become the birthplace of a historic moment in Olympic and football history. While the NFL offseason typically spans the Olympic window, league rules would ensure participation doesn’t conflict with team training camps or the start of preseason.
What the NFL Flag Football Olympic Proposal Includes
The resolution outlines how NFL players could get involved in Olympic flag football:
- 🏈 One player per NFL team can join a national Olympic roster
- 📝 Players under contract must receive permission and pass tryouts
- 🌍 International NFL players may represent their home countries
- 💊 Olympic teams must meet NFL medical and field standards
- 💰 An insurance policy and injury protection for players
- 🏥 Injured players would also receive salary cap considerations
The Olympics will take place from July 14 to July 30 in Los Angeles. This could mean seeing hometown NFL stars representing Team USA or other national teams, possibly even playing at iconic local venues. With massive names like Patrick Mahomes or Tyreek Hill mentioned online, fans are already dreaming big.
And while NFL players won’t automatically earn a roster spot, their inclusion brings unmatched visibility to flag football as a growing global sport. From there, talks with the NFL Players Association and Olympic committees will determine which players take the field.
Los Angeles just might host the most-watched flag football game in history.