Justin Jefferson and the NFL Celebrate Flag Football at the 2028 Olympics
Eagan, Minnesota – Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson showed his enthusiasm with an “Olympic Griddy” as he left a press conference during the NFL’s spring meeting on Tuesday. As a Global Flag Football Ambassador, Jefferson was key in the approval of a proposal that allows NFL players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.The proposal was unanimously approved by the 32 NFL team owners. “I was speechless,” Jefferson said before celebrating. “Thinking about the possibility of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal is a dream, remembering when I was a child and watching the track and field and basketball competitions win the gold medal.”
That’s something I always wanted to be a part of, but football wasn’t global. Now that we’re expanding the game and going beyond, it’s great.
Justin Jefferson
The expansion to a global platform is something that excites NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Troy Vincent. “I think it will be phenomenal. I think the world will finally have the opportunity to see the best athletes in the world participate, both men and women… I’m looking forward to seeing Justin play.”
Jefferson, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has recent experience playing flag football in the revamped Pro Bowl Games. He said this gave NFL players an idea of what it would be like to play together on an Olympic team.
For the rules to change and for us to go from a regular game to a flag football game, honestly, it was a lot more fun. We felt like kids having fun, just being together, the best athletes in the league.
Justin Jefferson
Although the resolution was approved, the league still needs to negotiate with the NFL Players Association, Olympic officials, and national governing bodies on the details of allowing NFL players to participate. There could also be opportunities for players with international heritage to represent other countries in the Olympics.
“We want to make sure we have the insurance that the players are protected, the clubs are protected, and let the players raise their hands and compete for their country, represent their countries and compete for that gold,” Vincent said. “So I think the hardest part was today. The resolution was passed, the leadership with the NFLPA executive, Lloyd [Howell Jr.] and the commissioner [Roger] Goodell. They will resolve all those things, allow the athletes to show their talents.”
Among the obstacles that players must overcome while balancing flag football hopes with the demands of the NFL are training for two different sports and the Olympic Games schedule.
NFL executive Peter O’Reilly added that if the flag football portion of the Olympic Games takes place during the first week of the 2028 games, players could still return for the veteran report dates for training camp with a few days to spare.
Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah II, another Flag Football Global Ambassador, acknowledged that there is already a group of talented athletes who specialize in flag football.
