NFL Players Cleared to Compete in Flag Football at 2028 Olympics
NFL owners unanimously approved player participation in flag football at the 2028 Olympics, allowing each team to send one player to represent their country.
NFL says players can play Olympic flag football
Chicago Sun-Times
Overview
NFL owners have voted to allow players to compete in flag football at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The inaugural Olympic event will feature six men’s and six women’s teams, each composed of 10 players. Each NFL team can send only one player, selected through tryouts and qualifications. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed excitement over players’ chances to represent their countries, while the NFL prepares to negotiate safety and scheduling logistics with various governing bodies. Flag football's inclusion is part of a broader effort to expand the sport globally, following its recognition as an official Olympic sport in October 2023.
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Analysis
- NFL owners have unanimously approved the participation of NFL players in flag football at the 2028 Olympics, marking a significant step in integrating the sport into global events.
- The excitement surrounding NFL player participation signals a shift towards international recognition of flag football and aims to enhance the sport's popularity worldwide.
- Key figures like NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell have emphasized the honor and excitement players feel in representing their countries on an Olympic stage.
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Each men's and women's flag football team at the 2028 Olympics will have 10 players.
Each NFL team can send one player selected through tryouts and qualifications; the Olympic rosters will be selected by each country's National Olympic Committees based on proposals by the respective National Federations.
The decision marks a historic step in the global expansion of flag football and provides NFL players the chance to represent their countries at the Olympic Games, showcasing the sport on a global stage.
The NFL, NFL Players Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and the relevant Olympic authorities are collaborating to establish the rules for NFL players' participation in flag football at the Olympics.
Flag football was recognized as an official Olympic sport in October 2023 as part of expanding the sport globally.
History
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