NFL 'actively' working on allowing players to particiapte in 2028 Olympics

We have seen NBA stars thrive on the Olympic stage for years now, with Steph Curry and LeBron James being the latest examples in Paris. The NFL is hoping they can do the same in the summer of 2028 in Los Angeles, with flag football being added to the games.

As of now, there is uncertainty about whether or not NFL players will be allowed to participate. But it’s something the league is “actively” working on. NFL executive V.P. Jeff Miller spoke to reporters on Monday, hoping to give players who want to represent their respective countries and opportunity to do so.

“The amount of enthusiasm that we’ve seen among our players or more broadly for flag football in ’28 has been remarkable,” Miller said via Pro Football Talk.

“Conversations are continuing to go on with the [NFL] Players Association, with players themselves but obviously the hope would be that players who want to participate in the Olympics and represent their country have that opportunity to do so. It is something that we’re working on actively.”

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was recently named the Global Flag Football Ambassador, presumably showing his intentions of playing in the Olympics. Other quarterbacks such as Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Caleb Williams have expressed interest as well.

Miami wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been a popular name when discussing potential participants as well. He terrorizes NFL defenses every Sunday with shoulder pads, it’s fun to imagine what he could do in the Olympics.

Not everybody is thrilled with the idea of NFL players potentially appearing in Los Angeles. Current USA Flag Football quarterback Darrell Doucette recently called them out, saying it’s “disrespectful” to believe they can play in the Olympics without previous experience.

“I think it’s disrespectful that they just automatically assume that they’re able to just join the Olympic team because of the person that they are — they didn’t help grow this game to get to the Olympics,” Doucette said. “Give the guys who helped this game get to where it’s at their respect.”

Based on the comments from Miller, there is still some work to be done before the NFL and NFLPA agree on letting players take part. There is still some time, with the games not scheduled for another four years. However, with the host city being in the United States and being a game that dominates the country’s interest, having the brightest stars there is certainly enticing.