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‘I play real football’ - Zay Flowers is unmoved by the opportunity to go for gold at the 2028 Summer Olympics

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kyle Crabbs | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 6:55 PM ET

Last month, the NFL owners’ meetings created a flurry of buzz about the opportunities afforded to NFL stars on the world stage amid the addition of flag football to the list of sports that countries will vie for gold in. The motion to allow NFL talent to partake in the event passed overwhelmingly, as any opportunity to grow and expand the game globally was seen as a “win” for the NFL. For the Baltimore Ravens and their star players, the opportunity has seemingly failed to move the needle at all.

Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers became the latest Ravens player to throw cold water on the idea of an appearance at the Olympic Games, joining quarterback Lamar Jackson in dismissing the idea. Flowers said today during media availabilities at Baltimore’s latest session that he’s only worried about playing “real football”.

Ravens WR Zay Flowers on flag football being an Olympic sport: “I play real football. I ain’t really worried about going to the Olympics. I’m trying to win a Super Bowl.” pic.twitter.com/GCpkpQV7FL
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) June 3, 2025

“I play real football. I ain’t really worried about going to the Olympics. I’m trying to win a Super Bowl.”- Zay Flowers on potentially eyeing the chance to play flag football for the US Olympic Team in 2028

Needless to say, Zay isn’t chomping at the bit to put aside his pads and trade them in for a stars and stripes uniform with a flag belt for a few weeks in the summer of 2028. Who knows, maybe his outlook will change if the Ravens manage to secure a breakthrough in the postseason and win a Super Bowl between now and then?

But for now, it looks like Flowers and the rest of the Ravens’ nucleus are set on keeping the main thing the main thing in Baltimore, which is chasing down that elusive championship. The good news for the Ravens is this year’s group appears to have the talent needed to do the job and should be in favorable positioning once again late in 2025 to try to make another run.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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