NFL owners unanimously approved allowing players to participate in flag football for the 2028 Olympics.
The vote at the spring meetings Tuesday authorized the league to negotiate safety provisions and scheduling logistics with the NFL Players Association and relevant international and national team governing bodies before it becomes reality during the Summer Games in Los Angeles.
No more than one player per NFL club would be permitted. Olympic rosters will be selected by the national committee for each country.
“It’s an incredible honour for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
“I know first-hand that the inclusion of flag football in the Olympics has sparked a tremendous amount of excitement among NFL players interested in the chance to compete for their country on the world stage. We are thrilled that they will now have that chance.”
Under the proposed agreement, six men’s teams and six women’s teams consisting of 10 players apiece would compete in Los Angeles. NFL player participation representing their national flag football team would begin with a tryout or qualification process in advance of the Olympic competition.
“Players have expressed to us a great desire for the honour of competing in the Olympics, and we’re excited that our members will be able to represent their country on the highest international stage,” said NFL Players Association executive director Lloyd Howell Jr.
“We look forward to working with the league, IFAF, and Olympic authorities on the terms of their participation to ensure players who compete will do so with protections to their health, safety, and job.”
The 2028 Summer Games are scheduled to take place from July 14-30, 2028. NFL players generally are off from mid-June until the start of training camp in late July.