NFL Players Eligible for Flag Football at 2028 Olympic Summer Games

Since flag football was approved to make its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, there’s been one question on everybody’s mind: will NFL players be eligible?

That answer is yes, as today the 32 NFL owners voted unanimously to permit the participation of its players at the Spring League Meeting in Eagan, Minnesota.

“It’s an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “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.”

The approved resolution authorizes the league to work with the NFL Players Association, the International Federation of American Football and the relevant Olympic authorities to implement rules governing the participation of NFL players.

“On behalf of USA Football, I’d like to thank NFL clubs for approving the resolution allowing NFL players to participate in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles when flag football debuts on the Olympic stage,” said Scott Hallenbeck, chief executive officer and executive director of USA Football. “USA Football has had extensive discussions with the NFL on the potential of player participation, and we’re thrilled to see those efforts become a reality.

“As the national governing body of American football, we have a tremendous responsibility ahead of us — selecting, training and leading the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams for LA28.”

Olympic rosters will be selected by each country’s national Olympic committees based on the proposal by the respective national federations. 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 a five-on-five format.

“I warmly welcome the outcome of this vote, which promises to add another dimension to what is already shaping up to be a game-changing debut for flag football at the Olympic Games,” said IFAF President Pierre Trochet. “The National Football League is home to the biggest stars in American football, who come from more and more countries, and now have the opportunity to shine on the greatest stage in world sport, showcasing everything that makes flag football a genuine worldwide phenomenon.”

NFL player participation with their country’s national flag football teams will begin with a tryout or qualification process in advance of the Olympic competition.

“Players have expressed to us a great desire for the honor of competing in the Olympics, and we’re excited that our members will be able to represent their country on the highest international stage,” said Lloyd Howell Jr., NFL Players Association executive director. “We look forward to working with the league, IFAF, and Olympic authorities on the terms of their participation to ensure players who compete will do so with protections to their health, safety and job.”

Flag football is governed internationally by the IOC-recognized IFAF, which has 75 national member federations spanning every continent. A record 31 nations participated in the most recent IFAF Flag Football World Championships, and the sport has rapidly grown, now with 20 million players around the world.

“There is no question that the 2028 Flag Football tournament at the LA28 Games will be one of the most exciting competitions in Olympic history, and the inclusion of NFL players will bring it to new heights,” said LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman. “This milestone would not have been possible without the support of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL Players Association, its club owners and most importantly, the athletes, who we’ll look forward to watching on the field in 2028.”