The NFL has given a green light for active players to join the 2028 Olympic flag football event in Los Angeles. But don’t expect the league itself to decide who gets on the team. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made it crystal clear: USA Football will be the one calling the shots on roster picks, not the NFL.
Who’s Picking the Players? It’s USA Football’s Call, Not the NFL’s
This week, during the NFL owners’ meeting, Goodell put the matter to rest. “That’s actually a function of USA Football that will be making that decision,” he said bluntly. “The NFL will not have any involvement in that selection process.” So, despite the NFL’s thumbs-up on participation, the selection reins are firmly in the hands of USA Football.
According to the bylaws of USA Football, Goodell himself will appoint three members to their 15-person board. Of these, at least two will sit on the five-person executive committee overseeing the sport’s direction. So, while the NFL won’t directly pick players, it still holds some influence behind the scenes through these appointments.
It’s an interesting setup, especially given the spotlight the NFL players bring. These Olympic flag football teams — six men’s and six women’s, each with 10 players — will feature no more than one NFL player per team. The Olympic Games, scheduled for July 14-30, 2028, conveniently fall during the NFL offseason. Players typically have a break from mid-June until training camps kick off in late July, making this a perfect opportunity for them to compete without clashing with their pro schedules.
A New Olympic Stage for Flag Football, and the NFL’s Unique Role
Flag football’s debut at the Summer Olympics is a fresh chapter for the sport, and the NFL’s backing signals how seriously it’s being taken. Goodell expressed enthusiasm about this move, noting the excitement flag football has sparked among players eager to represent the U.S. on a global stage.
“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,” Goodell said shortly after the NFL owners voted in favor of the move. “We are thrilled that they will now have that chance.”
The Olympic flag football tournament will feature six teams per gender, and the limit of one NFL player per team ensures the competition won’t simply be an NFL showcase. It promises a mix of talent from across the American flag football and football scenes. This kind of structure also keeps the playing field a bit more level, letting USA Football handle the selection with an eye on diversity and team chemistry beyond just NFL stars.
What This Means for NFL Players and Fans
Fans and players alike are buzzing about the opportunity. For NFL athletes, the Olympics offer a chance to wear their country’s colors in a way they normally don’t. Unlike the usual grind of a brutal 17-game season plus playoffs, this event is a short burst of intense competition on a global stage.
The restriction of one player per NFL team means the spotlight won’t just be on household names. It opens doors for players who might not be starters in the NFL but can shine in this format. And for fans, it’s a new way to enjoy the sport, mixing Olympic spirit with the tactical flair of flag football.
This table shows the neat alignment of NFL’s offseason and the Olympic schedule, making player participation easier.
A Collaborative Effort or A Clear Divide?
While the NFL has given its blessing, the league is stepping back from actually managing Olympic team selection. The decision to hand over player picks to USA Football could seem like a way to avoid conflicts or controversies tied to player commitments. Or maybe it’s about keeping the Olympics more “pure” and less NFL-driven. Whatever the reasoning, it’s a unique partnership.
USA Football is the governing body for the sport in the U.S., responsible for developing youth, amateur, and now Olympic-level flag football. They have the expertise to find players who fit Olympic-style competition, which differs from traditional tackle football. This separation lets the NFL focus on its league and leaves the Olympic flag football to the pros at USA Football.
Still, Goodell’s appointment power to USA Football’s board means the NFL keeps a foot in the door, quietly influencing the sport’s direction and Olympic preparations. It’s a subtle but important balance of power.
Will the NFL want more involvement down the line? Probably. But for now, this seems like a solid compromise.
