In a landmark decision, NFL team owners voted unanimously on May 20 to allow active players to compete in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The move marks the first time NFL athletes will officially participate in the games, aligning with flag football’s Olympic debut.
The resolution, approved during the NFL spring league meeting, paves the way for collaboration between the league, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and Olympic organizers to finalize participation rules.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called the decision a “tremendous honor” for players and stressed the significance of Olympic competition.
“The Olympics represent the pinnacle of global sport,” Goodell said. “This opportunity has generated immense excitement among our players, who are eager to showcase their skills while representing their countries.”
The 2028 Olympic flag football tournament features six men’s and six women’s teams, each composed of 10 players. Games will follow a five-on-five format. Rosters will be determined by National Olympic Committees (NOCs) in coordination with their respective national federations. Athletes must undergo tryouts or qualification processes to earn spots, ensuring competitive integrity.
IFAF President Pierre Trochet praised the NFL’s commitment, noting the league’s global influence.
“NFL stars hail from an increasing number of nations, and their presence will elevate flag football’s visibility,” Trochet said. “This partnership underscores our shared goal of making the sport a cornerstone of LA28.”
NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell Jr. stressed that player safety and contractual safeguards remain priorities.
“We’re thrilled our members can pursue this honor,” Howell said. “Collaboration with the league and Olympic bodies will ensure health, safety and job protections are in place.”
The agreement avoids scheduling conflicts with the NFL season, as the Olympics will conclude weeks before the league’s traditional September kickoff.
Flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics follows years of grassroots expansion.
Governed by IFAF, the sport boasts 75 member federations worldwide and attracted a record 31 nations to its 2024 World Championships. An estimated 20 million players now participate globally, driven by its accessibility and minimal equipment requirements.
Chairperson of the 2028 Olympics Casey Wasserman hailed the milestone as transformative.
“The NFL’s involvement ensures an unforgettable tournament,” Wasserman said. “This moment reflects the collective efforts of athletes, leagues and federations united by Olympic spirit.”
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on TikTok @HorsemenSportsMedia.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
