The inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has sparked excitement across the NFL, with some of the league's biggest stars already imagining what it might look like on the global stage. Two of those stars, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, shared lighthearted takes on their potential involvement, and their comments quickly made headlines.
Never one to miss a chance at humor, Kelce downplayed his role in a possible Olympic flag football squad. When asked about suiting up for Team USA, the All-Pro tight end quipped, "I'll have to be the water boy. I'll still get a gold medal, though."
The remark shows Kelce's playful personality while also showing the intrigue of NFL veterans moving into the Olympic spotlight.
On flag football in the Olympics.
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) September 4, 2025
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: "Hopefully I'm still young enough to move around and play some football."
Chiefs TE Travis Kelce: "I'll have to be the water boy. I'll still get a gold medal, though."
Even if Taylor Swift's fiancé is joking, his stature and experience would make him an asset to the team. His ability to separate from defensive players and catch passes in open space could translate well to flag football's speed-first style.
In the end, Kelce's comment brings up the idea that the NFL's grueling schedule and his age may limit his Olympic prospects.
Mahomes, meanwhile, took a more serious approach. The two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion suggested he might be spry enough to play in Los Angeles. Mahomes said, "Hopefully I'm still young enough to move around and play some football."
Given that Mahomes will be 32 years old when the 2028 Games kick off, his participation does not seem too far-fetched. His quick release and ability to create and make plays outside the pocket could make him a perfect fit for the squad.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved flag football as an official sport for the 2028 Games, marking a major milestone for the game. Its addition brings a new, accessible version of football to a worldwide audience. Unlike tackle football, flag is non-contact, faster-paced and easier for countries without deep traditions on the gridiron to embrace.
If stars in the NFL like Mahomes or even Kelce decide to participate, it could elevate the sport with visibility and popularity on a global stage. Either way, the idea of Team USA featuring some of the biggest names in the league is generating buzz ahead of the games coming to Los Angeles.
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