NFL players have been given the green light to participate in flag football at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, following a vote by owners at Tuesday’s league meeting in Minneapolis.
The decision to include flag football in the Olympics, announced back in 2023, sparked debate over whether NFL players could participate due to potential summer schedule clashes. The heightened attention on flag football has already spurred investment talks, with active NFL players also expressing interest in taking part.
Among those players is Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who spoke about the possibility of representing Team USA and clinching a gold medal on the ‘New Heights’ podcast with his brother Jason. While acknowledging he’d be too old to compete in 2028, Travis expressed interest in coaching, despite the fact that Olympic coaches don’t receive medals.
When the news first broke in 2023, Kelce, along with NFL stars like Tyreek Hill, A.J. Brown, and Micah Parsons, showed interest. Despite Super Bowl champions often being dubbed “World Champions,” NFL players have never had an official opportunity to represent their countries.
That’s set to change in 2028, albeit with flag football rather than the full-contact sport enjoyed by millions across the United States every week. Nonetheless, this hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of the Kelce brothers.
Before deciding to hang up his cleats after the 2023 season, Jason Kelce was a stalwart for the Philadelphia Eagles. His brother, Travis Kelce, has toyed with the idea of retirement but has committed to another year with the Chiefs before reassessing his career path.
“For the first time in the history of our sport, guys are going to be able to represent our country and play football,” Jason said when hyping up the news. “It’s flag football, so not anywhere near as cool, but still.”
Travis Kelce chimed in with his thoughts: “We are going to be old, all in the same boat in that regard. I think we are just all going to be assistant coaches or something, but I need a gold medal, so I have to be on that roster.”
Despite the prestige of coaching an Olympic athlete to victory, coaches do not receive medals at the Games, unlike NFL staff who are awarded Super Bowl rings during championship seasons. This tradition underscores the distinction between athletes and mentors at the Olympics.
By the time the 2028 Olympics roll around, Kelce will be 38, casting doubt on his participation. However, Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson is a likely contender and couldn’t hide his enthusiasm.
Following the affirmative vote on Tuesday, Jefferson exclaimed: “To be honest, I’m at a loss for words. To think about the chance of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal, it’s a dream.”
The flag football event at the Olympics will feature six teams for both men and women, each made up of ten players. The game itself will be played in a 5v5 style.
Commenting on the addition of flag football to the Olympics, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated: “It’s an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport.
“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.”
