The involvement of NFL players in flag football for the 2028 Summer Olympics has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's announcement has only added fuel to the debate.

Roger Goodell made an appearance on ESPN’s Women’s Sports Now show on Thursday (June 18). He expressed his confidence that active NFL players will participate when flag football makes its debut in LA, thanks to the appeal of competing for Olympic gold.

“We approved it a year ago. And I’ve had a lot of players that have said, 'We want to participate in that',” said Goodell, per NFL on ESPN's X post. “These players are competitors and they love the big stage and to win a gold medal is something I think they would all treasure.”

Goodell also stated how there is a possibility for both active and retired NFL players to suit up in Los Angeles and how the NFL schedule would allow for this to become a reality.

“It sets up really well because it’s before camps,” said Goodell. “So I absolutely believe we’re going to have players in the Olympics, active players, and probably some retired players. If they can stay up with them.”

The NBA’s “Dream Team” set a precedent, and the NFL is planning to take the same route. They will permit one active pro star to be selected per franchise.  

We saw a glimpse of this on March 21 during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at the BMO stadium in Los Angeles. NFL players were involved and played flag football with celebrities and ex-NFL pros and faced America’s flag football team.

However, the national team was able to beat the NFL players’ teams quite comfortably. Fans were not happy with the NFL commissioner and his decision either.

Fans express concern regarding NFL players' Olympic participation

Fans were quick to voice their opinions in the comments section of the X post announcing Roger Goodell's decision. One fan questioned as to why NFL teams would be okay with sending their players before the season.

“What happens when a team star player gets seriously hurt ACL. If I owned the team the players would not be allowed to play flag football or forfeit season pay,” commented the fan.

Meanwhile, another NFL enthusiast was quick to remind how one of the best rookies of the 1998 Draft had his career derailed due to the Pro Bowl.

“Never forget what happened to Robert Edwards. Patriots rookie running back had a phenomenal rookie season…destroyed his knee playing beach flag football at the Pro Bowl. Never played again,” they wrote.

Another X user felt that the opportunity to win gold should be limited to the national team. They pointed out that allowing pro athletes from a different sport to participate would be unfair to the team.

“Let the flag football guys get the opportunity to win a medal. Not right doing this to them,” the fan commented.

Do you think it’s a good idea for NFL players to play flag football at the Olympics? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit