NFL players are closer to competing in flag football at the Olympics, but don't expect Lamar Jackson to suit up.
In a reported unanimous vote, league owners approved Tuesday to authorizes the league to work with the NFL Players Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and the relevant Olympic authorities to implement rules governing the participation of NFL players in flag football, which makes its Olympic debut in 2028 in Los Angeles.
Olympic rosters will be selected by each countries' National Olympic Committees. The Olympic flag football competition will consist of six men's teams and six women's teams composed of 10 players per team, with the game itself being five-on-five.
NFL player participation with their countries' national flag football teams will begin with a tryout or qualification process in advance of the Olympic competition.
"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 stated. "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."
NFL owners approved players to participate in flag football for the Olympics in 2028. With the move coming, here's a look at an all-Ravens starting five on both sides of the ball.
QB Lamar Jackson
Jackson might be the top pick in the entire NFL if there was a flag football draft. He can do it all, and defenders probably couldn't even touch him, let alone pull his flag.
RB Justice Hill
Hill is a dynamic running back adept at catching the ball out of the backfield. Only 12 NFL running backs had more catches than Hill's 42 last season.
WR Zay Flowers
A joystick wide receiver that can make anyone miss in traffic? Sign me up.
WR Rashod Bateman
There's a lot to love about Bateman's deep ball potential. Plus, his connection with Jackson is only getting better.
TE Isaiah Likely
Likely is a highlight machine and would have some viral moves in the Olympics, à la his juke-touchdown in Kansas City last season.
CB Nate Wiggins
Wiggins ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the Combine in 2024. No other analysis needed.
CB Marlon Humphrey
Humphrey was a track star in high school and one of the best athletes on the team. His X account would be a must-follow during the Olympics.
S Kyle Hamilton
Hamilton is a Swiss Army knife who can do everything. In five-on-five, what else could you ask for?
S Malaki Starks
Starks made some highlight plays at Georgia and would be an exciting centerfielder on the flag field.
ILB Roquan Smith
Every team needs a Roquan Smith, even in five-on-five. His energy would be unmatched representing the United States.
Jackson might be America's best flag football player considering his arm talent, speed, and elusiveness. However, when Olympic flag football gained traction last August, Jackson threw cold water on the idea of playing.
"I doubt it. I'm a professional NFL player. So I'm just going to stay over here and let those guys have fun," Jackson said then on “The Lounge” podcast.
Jackson agreed that the U.S. would win gold if he played.
"No doubt about it, it would go down," he said. "But I salute those guys because they're performing for our country at the end of the day."
Jackson's comments came after Team USA quarterback Darrell Doucette said he would be a better flag football player than Patrick Mahomes because he hasn't played the sport.
In March during the league's annual meetings, Head Coach John Harbaugh gave a humorous response when asked about the possibility of Jackson missing time during training camp in 2028 to play flag football in the Olympics.
"I'm afraid I have a quarterback that'd probably be pretty good at it, so no, I'm not that excited about that in all honesty," Harbaugh said before smiling. "I believe in America. I want gold medals, but …"
The NBA, NHL and MLB have found a way for their players to participate in international competitions. The NFL could be next. Many players have already said that if they're allowed to participate in the Olympics, they'd be interested.
"It's a perfect opportunity to get everybody playing one sport, representing America as a whole, and hopefully get a gold medal," New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs said via ESPN.com.
