NFL players to be able to compete in flag football at Olympics

EAGAN, Minn. (WISH) — NFL players will be able to compete in flag football at the 2028 Olympic Games.

NFL clubs voted to allow the participation at the Spring League Meeting on Tuesday.

“It’s an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “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.”

Flag football in the Olympics will have six men’s teams and six women’s teams. 10 players will be on each team, and the games will be five-on-five.

Players will have the opportunity to tryout or qualify to join their team.

The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles.

“Players have expressed to us a great desire for the honor of competing in the Olympics, and we’re excited that our members will be able to represent their country on the highest international stage,” NFL Players Association executive director Lloyd Howell Jr said in a statement. “We look forward to working with the league, IFAF, and Olympic authorities on the terms of their participation to ensure players who compete will do so with protections to their health, safety, and job.”

The 2025 NFL season kicks off on Thursday, September 4 with the defending Super Bowl winning Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Dallas Cowboys.

The Colts season starts on Sunday, September 7, as they welcome the Miami Dolphins to Lucas Oil Stadium.

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