With flag football heading to the Olympic Games in 2028, some stars from the NFL are making it clear that they want to take part in the fun. As it turns out, this is now possible after team owners passed a resolution earlier this year.
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Back in May, the team owners headed to Minnesota for a meeting to discuss rule changes and other topics. One conversation focused on whether NFL players should have the opportunity to try out for flag football teams with the goal of competing in the Olympics.
The resolution passed, according to the Los Angeles Times, which opened up the opportunity for interested players. However, certain restrictions will be in place.
Only one player from NFL team is allowed to join each national team in the Olympics. So Team USA could not get multiple wide receivers from the Minnesota Vikings or the Cincinnati Bengals.
The owners will make an exception for each team's designated international player. These players will be eligible to suit up for their home country, if the opportunity arises.
"To have the greatest Games really requires you to have the greatest collection of athletes the world has ever seen," LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman said in a statement, "and today puts us one step closer to that."
With the NFL owners passing the resolution, the players moved one step closer to competing in the Olympics. Although more hurdles remained. The players still had questions about protections if they sustained injuries while taking part in flag football.
The flag football games at the Olympics will feature 10-player teams. Five players will take the field on offense, and five will take the field on defense.
The games will feature two, 20-minute halves. Six teams will compete in the men's division while six teams will compete in the women's division.
"We stand ready to provide opportunities for NFL players to be part of Team USA and compete alongside established flag football stars and talent-transfer athletes from other sports," USA Football CEO and executive director Scott Hallenbeck said in a statement.
"We will field the best team possible in pursuit of our ultimate goal of earning two gold medals for the United States in flag football."
