NFL owners unanimously approve player participation in 2028 Olympic flag football

NFL Players to Compete in Flag Football at 2028 Olympics

In a historic decision, NFL owners have unanimously approved allowing players to participate in flag football for the 2028 Olympics. The vote took place at the spring meetings, authorizing the league to negotiate safety provisions and scheduling logistics with the NFL Players Association and relevant international and national team governing bodies.

Only one player per NFL club will be permitted to compete in the Olympics, with national committees selecting rosters for each country. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed his excitement about the opportunity for players to represent their country on the world stage.

“It’s an incredible honor for any athlete to compete in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport,” said Goodell. “The inclusion of flag football in the Olympics has generated a tremendous amount of excitement among NFL players, and we are thrilled that they will now have the chance to compete.”

The approval required at least 24 of the 32 team owners to vote in favor of the resolution. The next steps involve finalizing agreements with the NFL Players Association and the International Olympic Committee to solidify player participation in the Summer Games.

Under the proposed agreement, six men’s teams and six women’s teams, each consisting of 10 players, will compete in Los Angeles. NFL players will go through a tryout or qualification process to earn a spot on their national flag football teams for the Olympics.

“Players have expressed a strong desire to compete in the Olympics, and we are excited that our members will have the opportunity to represent their country on an international stage,” said NFL Players Association executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. “We will work closely with the league, IFAF, and Olympic authorities to ensure the health and safety of our players during the competition.”

The 2028 Summer Games are scheduled to take place from July 14-30, 2028, providing NFL players with a unique opportunity to showcase their skills on a global platform. With the support of both the league and the players’ association, the integration of flag football into the Olympics marks a significant milestone in the intersection of professional sports and international competition.