As the sport of American football continues to grow and reach a more international audience, there has been significant news shaping the sport's future.
Starting in 2028, the Olympics will be adding flag football to its list of sports that will be taking place in the summer.
It's been a large conversation as the event will take place in the United States, in Los Angeles, California, and will run from July 14-30.
With flag football making its debut, some of the rules that will take place include six men's and six women's teams that will consist of rosters up to 10 players and will be played in a five-on-five format.
Although it's not required, many players from the NFL have shown interest in playing in the sport.
Minnesota Vikings' wide receiver Justin Jefferson seems to be ecstatic about the opportunity.
"To think about the chance of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal, it’s a dream," the NFL FLAG ambassador said back on May 20.
“To think about the chance of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal, it’s a dream.”@NFLFLAG ambassador Justin Jefferson shares his excitement for Flag Football joining the 2028 Olympics in LA! @jjettas2 pic.twitter.com/v0gUfZtNRP
— NFL (@NFL) May 20, 2025
With some players in the NFL showing excitement, there have also been others who have already opted out of a chance of earning an Olympic medal for their country.
While there are plenty of prospects who could represent the United States, one of the NFL's biggest stars, Patrick Mahomes, is leaning toward giving that opportunity to athletes who are younger than he is.
"I'll probably leave that to the younger guys," he said on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on potentially playing flag football in the 2028 Olympics: “I’ll probably leave that to the younger guys.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 29, 2025
Mahomes would be 32 years old by the time the 2028 Summer Olympics kick off, and it seems he would be more interested in keeping his body healthy in order to chase more Super Bowl wins with the Kansas City Chiefs.
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