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NFL's willingness to participate in 2028 Olympic flag football would be perfect timing for Ohio State mega star

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated May 16, 2025 9:30 AM ET

Ohio State wide receiver is already considered the best player in college football entering just his second-season, and he could be an Olympian in 2028. After ranking second amongst Power 4 receivers in yards and tied for the lead in touchdowns, the former top recruit is on the fast track to being an all-time NFL prospect.

Smith will be eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft. It just so happens this would allow him to be part of an NFL initiative that could expand their worldwide reach after his rookie campaign.

The NFL is evaluating the possibility of allowing their players to participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The Olympic program will have a flag football tournament starting three years from now as a way to showcase the sport and boost its global popularity.

It's a non-tackle, 5-on-5 variant. Even though there's some type of injury risk involved, the idea of international expansion is more and more important for the league's plans.

The NFL will discuss at next week’s meeting a resolution to allow NFL players to participate in the 2028 Olympics. pic.twitter.com/8t52uCLCQB
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 15, 2025

According to NFL Network's insider Mike Garafolo, the league will discuss at next week's owners meeting a resolution to allow players to participate. If it's approved, one player from each NFL franchise will be allowed to play, in addition to members of the
International Pathway Program.

It's hard to know which current NFL stars will be atop the throne by 2028, but it's fair to say Ja'Marr Chase, Malik Nabers, Justin Jefferson, and maybe Marvin Harrison Jr., Travis Hunter, and Brian Thomas could be in the mix. Smith might be better than all if 2024 was an indicator.

Standing 6-foot-3 and blessed with 4.4 speed, elite body control, incredible twitch and focus, Smith is the closest thing to Julio Jones we've seen. It's hard to fathom he won't be a top five pick in 2027 and on track to be as productive as any young receiver.

Games are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles from July 14-30 in 2028, with the final game in the same week teams usually report to training camp. That means participating in the Olympics wouldn't affect a player's preparation for the season.

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

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