NFL to allow players to compete in Olympic flag football

The NFL will allow players to compete in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after owners unanimously approved the proposal, the league announced Tuesday.

"It's an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement obtained by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"I know firsthand 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."

The motion passed with a 32-0 vote, per Rapoport. The proposal needed at least 24 of the 32 owners in favor to pass at Tuesday's league meetings.

The league will move on to negotiating with the NFL Players Association, Olympic officials, and national sports governing bodies on the specifics of player involvement. Participation will require players to qualify or try out for their countries' national flag football teams ahead of the Games.

Star players like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill have been outspoken about their desire to represent the United States in flag football.

It'll be the first time ever that the sport is an Olympic event.

Under the current framework, the proposal limits participation to one player per NFL team for each country, with an exception for designated international players.

The Olympic flag football competition will consist of six men's and women's teams composed of 10 players per team, with the games themselves featuring a five-on-five format.

The proposed resolution also covers injury protections, including the purchase of leaguewide insurance policies and a salary-cap credit for any player who's injured during the event. The NFL will require Olympic flag football teams to meet minimum standards for medical staffs and field surfaces.

The L.A. Olympics are scheduled to take place July 14-30, 2028. That's roughly the time of year NFL teams begin training camp ahead of the upcoming season.

The proposal states that the flag football schedule must not "unreasonably conflict with an NFL player's league and club commitments."