The NFL has expanded its global reach for many years, and now there is a chance that many players could represent the United States in the 2028 Olympics. The sport of Flag Football has been approved as a sport, and this has led to much debate over professional football players participating in the sport.
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Naturally, the world of professional flag football players is chock-full of elite athletes who would want to win a medal at the Olympics. However, NFL players are also in that same boat.
While current NFL stars like Matthew Stafford and Patrick Mahomes have stated they are unlikely to participate, New York Jets star Sauce Gardner has stated he would be open to representing the U.S.
Jets CB Sauce Gardner on potentially playing Olympic flag football:
“I like it. I definitely would be interested in it, being able to play for my country. I think it’s a big deal because every time it’s the Olympics, I’m always watching, I’m always tuned in.”
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) June 12, 2025
While speaking to the press, Gardner was asked if he would want to play Olympic flag football. He stated:
“I like it. I definitely would be interested in it, being able to play for my country. I think it’s a big deal because every time it’s the Olympics, I’m always watching, I’m always tuned in.”
Winning the Super Bowl and entering the Hall of Fame are two of the greatest honors the NFL world has to offer, but to be able to represent your country in the Olympics is something far different.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 15: Sauce Gardner #1 of the New York Jets walks off of the field after warming up prior to an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Jacksonville, FL. Sauce Gardner appears to take shots at his own team on social media.
Perry Knotts/Getty Images
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The Olympics have long had hockey and basketball in the ranks, but football has never been given that chance. Flag football is categorically different, but the rules and play are derived from the game of football.
That said, it would be believed that NFL players would be the first ones to be called on to represent the United States. It will be interesting to see how the selection committee handles which athletes are going to be part of Team USA for flag football.
There is likely to be some sort of tryout to figure out the best team possible, and there are likely to be many NFL players who are going to try to participate in the Olympics. As far as Gardner goes, he is one of the league’s best defenders, and the flag football team would likely be far better with him on the squad.
For now, the NFL and Olympics selection committee are going to have their hands full with trying to find a middle ground on who gets the honor of representing the U.S. in the first-ever Olympic football event.
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