Alright, NFL fans, buckle up—flag football is officially headed to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and the NFL owners’ unanimous vote on Tuesday just lit the fuse on what could be a game-changer for the sport. With the green light from the league, it’s time to start dreaming up the squad that’ll chase gold for Team USA. Flag football’s a different beast—five-on-five, no tackling, with hybrid roles that demand speed, smarts, and versatility. Per nflflag.com, you’ve got a center, quarterback, and three RB/WRs on offense, and a pass-rusher, two safeties, and two DBs on defense. Here’s our take on the NFL stars who’d make the perfect Olympic roster, ready to dominate on the global stage.
Quarterback: Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Lamar Jackson’s a tempting pick with his dual-threat wizardry, but by 2028, he’ll be 31 and maybe a step slower. Enter Jayden Daniels, who’ll be a spry 27 when the Games kick off. The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year was a one-man highlight reel last season, piling up 31 touchdowns and 4,459 total yards while leading the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game. His quick reads and lightning legs are tailor-made for flag football’s fast-paced, open-field chaos. Picture Daniels juking defenders or firing lasers in tight windows—yeah, he’s the guy to run this show.
Center: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs
You need a rock in the middle, and Creed Humphrey’s as solid as they come. With three Pro Bowls, two Super Bowl rings, and an All-Pro nod in his first four seasons, he’s the NFL’s premier pass-blocking center. In flag football, where protecting the QB is everything, Humphrey’s ability to stonewall rushers gives Daniels the pocket he needs to work his magic. This guy’s not just a wall—he’s a maestro up front, and at 28 in 2028, he’ll be in his prime.
WR/RB: Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase is a walking highlight reel, and at 25, he’s already got 46 touchdowns since entering the league in 2021—more than any other receiver. Last year, he set career highs with 1,708 yards and 17 scores, marking his fourth straight 1,000-yard season. In flag football, where speed and hands are king, Chase’s ability to torch DBs deep or shake them in space makes him a no-brainer. By 2028, he’ll likely have three more monster seasons under his belt, ready to light up the Olympic stage.
WR/RB: Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson’s already dreaming of gold, telling reporters, “Just to think about the chances of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal, it’s a dream.” The dude backs it up: since 2020, his 7,432 receiving yards lead all receivers, and last year’s 10 touchdowns marked his fifth straight 1,000-yard campaign. At 25, Jefferson’s silky routes and freakish catch radius make him a matchup nightmare in flag’s wide-open format. Pair him with Chase, and good luck to any defense trying to cover both.
WR/RB: Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty hasn’t played an NFL snap yet, but the No. 6 pick in the 2025 draft is a flag football cheat code. At Boise State, he led the FBS with 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, averaging a ridiculous seven yards per carry. Per Pro Football Focus, his 152 forced missed tackles were 49 more than the next guy. At just 24 in 2028, Jeanty’s explosive cuts and vision make him a dual-threat RB/WR who can gash defenses on jet sweeps or catch swing passes in space.
Pass-Rusher: Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys
In flag football, the pass-rusher lines up seven yards off the line, giving Micah Parsons a runway to wreak havoc. The 25-year-old’s 52.5 sacks since 2021 rank fifth in the NFL, and he’s the only top-five sacker under 30 heading into 2028. Parsons’ speed and instincts make him a nightmare for QBs, whether he’s snagging flags or forcing rushed throws. He’s the kind of game-wrecker who’ll have opposing offenses scrambling before the ball’s even snapped.
Defensive Back: Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles
At 22, Cooper DeJean’s rookie season was a statement—capping it with a pick-six in Super Bowl LIX and a viral takedown of Derrick Henry. PFF ranks him as the NFL’s top corner, with elite grades against the run, which matters in flag football’s tackle-free chaos. DeJean’s ball skills and physicality make him perfect for swatting passes or chasing down shifty receivers. He’s young, hungry, and built for this.
Defensive Back: Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos
Pat Surtain II’s resume—three Pro Bowls, two All-Pro nods, and 11 picks in four years—earned him a $96 million extension, but he’s chasing something money can’t buy: Olympic gold. At 28 in 2028, Surtain’s lockdown coverage and knack for snagging interceptions will be critical in flag’s pass-heavy game. He’s the guy you trust to shadow the opponent’s best weapon and make them regret testing him.
Safety: Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions
Kerby Joseph led the NFL with nine picks in 2024, earning an $86 million extension and a spot as PFF’s top-ranked safety. With 17 career interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a touchdown in three seasons, he’s a turnover machine. Joseph’s instincts and closing speed make him a flag football must-have, ready to pluck passes out of the air and swing momentum.
Safety: Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens
At 6-foot-4, Kyle Hamilton’s a matchup nightmare for offenses, especially in flag football’s jump-ball-heavy end zones. PFF ranks him as the league’s second-best safety, with five picks in three seasons. His size and range let him cover ground like a corner while hitting like a linebacker. Pair him with Joseph, and you’ve got a secondary that’ll make QBs think twice.
This roster’s a dream team of youth, speed, and playmaking. Daniels slinging to Chase, Jefferson, and Jeanty? Humphrey locking down the pocket? Parsons hunting QBs while DeJean, Surtain, Joseph, and Hamilton patrol the back end? That’s a squad built to dominate the 5v5 format and bring home gold. The Olympics are still three years out, but this group’s got the juice to make NFL flag football a global showstopper. Let’s start the countdown to L.A.
