NFL says over 200 players interested in competing in flag football at LA Olympics

More than 200 NFL players have expressed interest in representing their countries in the 2028 Olympic Games, competing in flag football, according to a league executive. The non-contact sport is set to make its debut at the Los Angeles Olympics. In May 2025, NFL teams approved a resolution enabling their players to participate in flag football at the Games.

Brian Flinn, the Senior Vice President of Global Flag Football for the NFL, stated that over 200 players from 25-plus countries have shown interest in competing for their nations. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has always aspired to play and win a gold medal at the Olympics, while Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes intends to pass the torch to younger players in flag football.

The U.S. flag football team demonstrated their prowess by defeating teams filled with NFL players at the inaugural Flag Football Classic in March. It was revealed that more detailed information on NFL players' participation in the Olympics will be available towards the end of the 2026-27 season, as the process will be overseen by national flag football federations.

Flag football has experienced a surge in popularity in the U.S. since it was recognized as an Olympic sport in 2023, with the recent world championships in Germany serving as a strong indication of the sport's growing momentum. NFL officials expressed their excitement about the sport's resurgence and the inclusion of both men's and women's flag football teams in the LA Games.