The NFL logo is pictured at an event in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., November 30, 2017. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri
If NFL stars like Tyreek Hill dream of competing in the Olympics with flag football, that dream is becoming more of a reality.
2028 Olympics: Flag Football Inclusion
NFL executive Peter O’Reilly announced that the league will collaborate with the players’ union to allow both current and former players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Moreover, the International Olympic Committee officially added flag football as one of the sports for the event.
“The Olympics are the highest level of global sports,” O’Reilly stated during league meetings. Furthermore, he added, “While the composition of Team USA is determined by USA Football and similar organizations worldwide, we acknowledge the desire of athletes to represent their countries. We’ll work closely with the players, NFL Players Association, and teams to establish the process, partnering with USA Football and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).”
Tyreek Hill’s Olympic Dreams
Tyreek Hill, the All-Pro wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, expressed his enthusiasm for the news and encouraged fellow NFL players to consider joining the Olympic journey.
“Imagine putting together an all-star team for the Olympics,” Hill shared on his podcast, highlighting the excitement surrounding the idea.
NFL’s Flag Football Promotion
The NFL has been actively promoting flag football and advocating for its inclusion in the Olympics. Notably, last year, they transformed the Pro Bowl into a weeklong series of competitions, ultimately culminating in a flag football game between AFC and NFC all-stars.
“We’re committed to expanding flag football worldwide,” O’Reilly emphasized. Furthermore, he continued, “The Olympic decision speeds up this process, and we view it as a long-term commitment. It’s not just about 2028; it’s about the next four years and how we, along with our teams and IFAF, can use this opportunity to grow the sport, giving more boys and girls worldwide the chance to play with a ball and a flag belt.”
This report used information from ESPN
