NFL and team owners clash over letting players participate in 2028 Olympics flag football event

The conclusion of the Paris 2024 Olympics brought with it a game-changing announcement: flag football will officially debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. While this decision has been met with great enthusiasm across the football community, it has also opened the door to a contentious debate—should NFL players be allowed to compete?

The inclusion of flag football in LA28 has ignited both excitement and concern within NFL circles. Players across the league, including prominent names, have voiced their eagerness to represent the United States on the Olympic stage. The excitement has only grown with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts being named a global ambassador for flag football, symbolizing how deeply invested the NFL community has become in the sport’s Olympic debut.
“As we celebrate the successes of Paris 2024 and the ball is thrown to LA28, we have no doubt that flag football will light up the Games when it makes its debut in four years' time,” said Pierre Trochet, president of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).

However, the growing enthusiasm isn’t universal. Behind the scenes, tensions are reportedly rising between the league office and team owners. The league sees the Olympics as a golden opportunity to globalize American football, tapping into new markets and expanding the sport's global footprint. But for team owners, the stakes are far more personal—and potentially costly.
"Several NFL players have expressed interest in playing. We understand that the league office wants that to happen. However, the owners are being more cautious. This has created tension between the NFL and the team owners," Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk reported.
Owners fear that allowing their stars to compete in mid-July could lead to injuries or reduced readiness for the NFL season, which typically begins training camps shortly after the Olympic Games conclude on July 30, 2028. Missing key prep time during the preseason—even for an event as prestigious as the Olympics—raises concerns about competitive disadvantages and long-term player health.
"During last week's annual meeting in Florida, we sensed the push and pull," Florio added. "The league sees an opportunity to market the brand on a global scale. The owners see the possibility of key players getting injured. And even if they don't, they will lose preparation time for the 2028 season."
The scenario is reminiscent of what basketball experienced decades ago when NBA players were first allowed to compete in the Olympics—ushering in a global boom for the sport. Flag football, although different in physicality, holds similar potential to captivate audiences worldwide and inspire international participation.
Whether NFL players will actually take the field in LA remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the world will be watching, and flag football’s Olympic debut may mark the dawn of a new era for the sport—NFL players or not.
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