The NFL voted to allow its players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Interestingly, the NFL won’t have a say in the selection process when it comes to fielding Team USA.
“That’s actually a function of USA Football that will be making that decision,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. “The NFL will not have any involvement in that selection process.”
While the landmark decision to allow NFL players to participate is supported by most, some voices within the league are expressing reservations.
Brian Gutekunst, General Manager of the Green Bay Packers, voiced his support for the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics as a way to grow American football internationally.
However, Gutekunst – along with many other coaches and executives – remains cautious about allowing NFL players to take part, primarily due to injury concerns.
“I think overall, [flag football in the Olympics is] a great thing,” Gutekunst said. “(But) I’d love it if we kept the NFL players out of it.”
Gutekunst emphasized the risk factor as the main reason for his hesitation, noting the potential consequences for teams should their key players sustain injuries during these games.
While flag football is generally less physical than tackle football, injuries still occur.
A serious injury to a star NFL player during the Olympics could be a costly blow for their team, which may be reluctant to see their athlete sidelined in a competition that raises the sport’s international profile but holds no direct value for the NFL season.
On that note, some star players are admitting the fear of injury – as well as a shortened offseason – could possibly keep them from committing to playing for Team USA.
“I don’t know how I feel about it, if I’m being completely honest,” Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase said.
“I don’t know. I want to hear more. I want to hear more information about it and I want to know the timing for us – offseason, inseason… I want to know if we’re getting paid. I want to know are we traveling every other week or every day.
“That plays a part because we have an offseason. We have a life. Also, how long would that be? I don’t know, there’s a lot of questions to it.”
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has already taken his name out of consideration for Team USA. “I’m going to focus, and I’m going to keep the main thing the main thing,” he said.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson also revealed he doesn’t have much interest in participating. “I doubt it. I’m a professional NFL player. So I’m just going to stay over here and let those guys have fun,” Jackson said on The Lounge podcast.
On the other side, there have been several star players who have expressed interest in representing Team USA – including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson. (Although Mahomes backtracked a bit.)
What are your thoughts on the whole issue? … Are you in favor of NFL players participating in the Olympics? Or is the fear of injury just too great???
