NFL Teams approve participation of NFL players in 2028 LA Olympics

The NFL has officially approved the participation of its players in flag football at the 2028 Olympic Games set to take place in Los Angeles.

This decision was made during the Spring League Meeting held in Eagan, Minnesota, marking a significant development for the sport.

The resolution allows the NFL to collaborate with the NFL Players Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and relevant Olympic bodies to establish the rules for players’ participation, as flag football will make its Olympic debut in 2028.

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

Chairperson of LA28, Casey Wasserman, added: “This milestone would not have been possible without the support of key stakeholders, and we look forward to witnessing these athletes showcase their talents on the Olympic field.”

IFAF president, Pierre Trochet welcomed the resolution, emphasising the opportunity it creates for top-tier athletes from the NFL to take part in a globally recognized event.

He also highlighted that flag football is rapidly gaining popularity, with 75 national federations backing it.

The collaboration among the NFL, IFAF, and Olympic authorities is a positive step towards solidifying flag football’s place in the landscape of global sports.

Selection for Olympic rosters will be managed by each country’s National Olympic Committees, following recommendations from their respective National Federations.

The flag football competition at the Olympics will feature six men’s and six women’s teams, each composed of ten players, competing in a five-on-five format.

Under the terms of the arrangement, NFL players will participate in a qualification or tryout process leading up to the Games.

As flag football garners international attention, particularly through governance by the IFAF, it continues to thrive at the grassroots level, with participation sky-rocketing to 20 million players globally.

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