NFL, NFLPA Working to Enable Gamers to Compete in Flag Soccer Throughout 2028 Olympics | Information, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

It looks like NFL gamers can be competing in flag soccer in the course of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

NFL govt vp Jeff Miller instructed reporters Monday the NFL and Gamers Affiliation are participating in ongoing discussions about one of the best ways to method such an endeavor.

“The quantity of enthusiasm that we have seen amongst our gamers or extra broadly for flag soccer in ’28 . . . has been exceptional,” he stated. “Conversations are persevering with to go on with the [NFL] Gamers Affiliation, with gamers themselves … however clearly the hope could be that gamers who wish to take part within the Olympics and signify their nation have that chance to take action. … It’s one thing that we’re engaged on actively.”

Excessive-profile gamers resembling Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Tyreek Hill and Caleb Williams have already expressed curiosity in collaborating within the Video games, and plenty of extra will certainly wish to signify their nation because the Olympics get nearer.

“I actually wish to play for the Olympic flag soccer workforce,” Burrow stated throughout an look on Pardon My Take. “Like Me, Ja’marr (Chase), Justin (Jefferson). Me and my mates on the market taking part in soccer. … I believe it might be actually cool.”

The NFL even ran a industrial with Hurts throwing a flaming soccer over the cauldron on the prime of the L.A. Coliseum promoting that soccer is coming to the Olympics.

Whereas there’s at all times harm threat, the following Summer season Olympics will occur from July 14 to July 30 in 2028. Which means groups will not have to fret about gamers lacking any regular-season video games and even preseason contests in the event that they do take part within the Video games.

NFL gamers collaborating will certainly generate extra curiosity, however not everyone is thrilled with the concept.

“I believe it is disrespectful that they only mechanically assume that they are in a position to simply be part of the Olympic workforce due to the individual that they’re—they did not assist develop this recreation to get to the Olympics,” U.S. nationwide flag workforce quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette stated, per the Guardian. “Give the blokes who helped this recreation get to the place it is at their respect.”

Doucette helped the US win the 2021 world championship title and the title on the 2022 World Video games. He additionally led the Purple, White and Blue to the Americas Continental championship title because the event’s MVP in 2023.

Nonetheless, will probably be tough for any flag soccer participant to beat out the likes of Mahomes, Hill and others if they’re actually going to compete for spots on the roster.

First, although, the NFL and the NFLPA have to determine an settlement that may permit the gamers to showcase their expertise on the Olympics.