The NFL Pro Bowl now features a game of flag football and featured Justin Jefferson in 2023 and 2025 The prospect of an American football 'Dream Team' has moved a big step closer with NFL players given permission to compete in flag football at the 2028 Olympics. Flag football wasadded to the programme for LA 2028 in October 2023,sparking speculation the NFL will emulate basketball's Dream Team at the Barcelona 1992 Games. The league has since been working with its teams, the NFL Players Association and national federations for NFL players to be available. And at the NFL's spring league meeting in Minnesota on Tuesday, team owners unanimously passed a resolution that will allow NFL players to participate in flag football's Olympic debut. A maximum of one player from each team will be allowed to participate, plus any team's designated international player. All 32 teams are permitted an additional spot on their practice squad roster for an international player,such as Louis Rees-Zammit at the Jacksonville Jaguarsduring the 2024 season. "Players have expressed to us a great desire for the honour 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 NFLPA's executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. Flag is the most inclusive and accessible form of American football. It is a fast, non-contact version of the game watched by millions worldwide. Instead of tackling, defenders must pull a 'flag' from the waist of the attacking player with the ball. It is one of the world's fastest-growing sports and the rapid growth of the women's game was key to flag earning the Olympic vote for 2028. Flag is governed by the International Federation of American Football (Ifaf), which has 75 national federations as members. According to the NFL, there are now 20 million players around the world with a record 31 nations taking part inlast year's Flag Football World Championships. "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," said Ifaf president Pierre Trochet. The Olympic flag football format will be five-on-five, with a team's defence and offence on the field at different teams. The competition will consist of six men's teams and six women's teams, featuring 10 players per team. Olympic rosters will be selected by each countries' national Olympic committee, based on proposals by the respective national federations, such as USA Football. The NFL will now work with the NFLPA, Ifaf and relevant Olympic authorities to implement rules governing the participation of NFL players, which will begin with a try-out or qualification process with their countries' national flag football team. USA Football's chief executive Scott Hallenbeck said NFL players will compete for a place with established flag players and "talent-transfer athletes from other sports". "We have a tremendous responsibility ahead of us - selecting, training and leading the US men's and women's national teams for LA28," Hallenbeck added. "We're fortunate to have a talent pool that already features prominent flag football stars who have helped USA Football establish a gold-medal standard in international competition. Including players from the NFL only strengthens our ability to build the best US men's national team possible." Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah is interested in playing at LA 2028 but told BBC Sport: "You can't just count out the guys that play flag football. "I think that's the tricky thing right there. Just because you're good at American football doesn't mean you're good at flag football, so you have to share that respect." Brian Asamoah can represent Ghana or the USA Many NFL players honed their skills in flag before moving to tackle football, but since 2023 the NFL's Pro Bowl has switched from an end-of-season all-star game to a week-long series of skill contests culminating in a game of flag football. "To think about the chances of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal is a dream," said Vikings' star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who played in 2023 and 2025. "That's a decision I definitely have to weigh in. It's three years from now, the body is going to be different, but that's something I've always wanted to do - compete for your country." Another star receiver Tyreek Hill has reiterated his interest in playing, while two-time MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes has previously said he "definitely wants to". But Asamoah, who has Ghanaian heritage, stressed it is not just the prospect of representing Team USA that makes the 2028 Olympics so appealing, given the increasing number and calibre of international players. "There's 10 or 11 Ghanaian players now and I've put them all in a group chat, to share the news," he said. "The word is definitely getting spread around and all the guys are excited." Asamoah attended a football camp in Ghana earlier this year, one of many programmes looking to grow flag football around the world, and he warned that 2028 will not just be a procession to gold for Team USA, as it was for their NBA stars at Barcelona 1992. "The talent for Team USA will be kind of crazy, if you just stack our league's stars. I think that would be somewhat like a Dream Team," Asamoah added. "But then you've got to face a team like Ghana, who could have a guy that's 6ft 1in, 240lb and fast, then you put him on the football field and he's just doing some crazy things. "So I think you have to weigh the talents on a scale then just put them on the field and be like, 'OK, go compete'."
NFL flag vote sees Olympic 'Dream Team' move closer
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"NFL Players Granted Permission to Compete in Flag Football at 2028 Olympics"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
The NFL has taken a significant step towards allowing its players to compete in flag football at the 2028 Olympics, following the sport's inclusion in the Olympic program for Los Angeles. This decision has sparked excitement among players and fans alike, as it brings the possibility of forming an American football 'Dream Team' reminiscent of the iconic basketball team from the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. At a recent NFL spring league meeting in Minnesota, team owners voted unanimously to permit NFL players to participate in this Olympic event, which will feature a maximum of one player from each NFL team alongside any designated international players. The league's collaboration with the NFL Players Association and national federations aims to ensure that players can represent their countries on this prestigious international stage, highlighting their desire to compete at the highest level. NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell Jr. emphasized the honor players feel in potentially representing their nations at the Olympics, while the inclusion of flag football underscores its growing popularity and accessibility worldwide.
Flag football is recognized as a fast-paced, non-contact variation of American football, governed by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), which includes 75 national federations. The format for the Olympic competition will consist of five-on-five games, with six men's and six women's teams participating. NFL players will undergo a selection process to join their national teams, competing alongside established flag players and athletes from other sports. Asamoah, a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings, expressed enthusiasm for representing Ghana or the USA, emphasizing the competitive nature of the event and the rising talent pool in international flag football. Players like Justin Jefferson and Tyreek Hill have also shown interest in participating, with Jefferson noting that competing for a gold medal is a dream. Asamoah cautioned that the competition would not be easy, as teams like Ghana could present formidable challenges. The NFL's transition of the Pro Bowl to include flag football has also contributed to the sport's growing profile, setting the stage for what could be a historic Olympic debut in 2028.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The announcement regarding the inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics represents a significant shift in the landscape of American football and its global perception. By allowing NFL players to compete, the league not only enhances its brand but also taps into a growing sport that emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility.
Motivation Behind the News
The decision to permit NFL players to participate in flag football at the Olympics aims to elevate the sport's profile and align it with the successful legacy of basketball's Dream Team. This initiative could foster greater interest in flag football internationally, showcasing it as an exciting, non-contact variant of American football. Furthermore, the league is likely seeking to capitalize on the growing popularity of the women's game, which played a crucial role in flag football's Olympic inclusion.
Public Sentiment and Perception
The NFL is likely trying to cultivate a positive public perception by showcasing its commitment to international sport and community engagement. By emphasizing the honor of competing in the Olympics, the league hopes to resonate with both players and fans who value global representation. This initiative could also strengthen the players' connection to their communities and enhance their public image.
Potential Omission of Information
While the article highlights the positive aspects of this development, it may downplay the underlying motivations of the NFL, such as financial gains from increased viewership and merchandise sales. By focusing primarily on the excitement of Olympic participation, the article could obscure potential concerns regarding player safety in a new format and the logistics of international competition.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article appears credible, presenting factual information regarding the NFL's resolution and the structure of participation. However, its language may lean towards promotional rather than purely informative, which could suggest a bias toward a more favorable interpretation of the events.
Comparative Context in Sports News
In the broader context of sports news, the article aligns with a trend of traditional sports organizations embracing new formats to stay relevant. This mirrors other recent shifts, such as the increasing acceptance of esports and alternative sports in mainstream media.
Impact on Society and Economy
The inclusion of flag football could lead to increased youth participation in the sport, positively influencing local economies through the establishment of leagues and events. Moreover, it may encourage discussions around sports diplomacy and international cooperation in athletics, potentially leading to more partnerships and sponsorships.
Support from Specific Communities
This initiative is likely to garner support from diverse communities, particularly among younger audiences and those advocating for gender equality in sports, given the significant growth of women's flag football. The emphasis on inclusivity may resonate with various demographic groups seeking representation in mainstream sports.
Market Implications
For investors, companies associated with football, sports apparel, and event management may see a rise in stock prices as flag football's popularity increases. Brands that align themselves with Olympic sports and youth engagement may benefit significantly from this trend.
Global Power Dynamics
While the announcement may not directly affect global power dynamics, it does highlight the growing influence of American sports on the international stage. The incorporation of American football into the Olympics could serve to enhance the United States' cultural footprint worldwide.
Use of AI in Article Composition
There is a possibility that AI tools were employed in crafting this article, particularly for data analysis and summarizing trends in sports. Elements like player statistics and growth rates may indicate the use of AI models that specialize in sports analytics. However, the narrative style suggests a human touch in framing the story to appeal to a broad audience.
In conclusion, while the article presents an optimistic view of the NFL's involvement in the Olympics, the underlying motivations and potential implications warrant a more nuanced examination. The excitement surrounding flag football's Olympic debut could overshadow deeper questions about the sport's future and its impact on traditional American football.