NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he expects NFL players to compete in flag football during the 2028 Summer Olympics [2].
The move signals a strategic effort by the league to expand the sport's global reach and increase participation among women and girls. By leveraging the Olympic platform, the NFL aims to transition flag football from a recreational activity into a recognized international competitive sport.
During an interview on ESPN’s "Women’s Sports Now," Goodell said the game is growing rapidly worldwide. He emphasized the importance of young women playing the sport, noting its role in diversifying the game's appeal. The league is also preparing for the third annual NFL Flag Championships, which are scheduled for July 24-26 [1].
Goodell said the league is using its own internal events to gauge interest and viability. He said the new Pro Bowl format serves as a test case for flag football, adding that the league is excited about the response from players and fans [3]. This experimentation allows the NFL to refine the format before the global stage of the Olympics.
The push for flag football comes as the sport gains momentum in other sectors. Reports indicate the game is skyrocketing in popularity nationwide and is no longer viewed as a sport exclusively for boys [4]. This trend is further supported by the sport's inclusion in NCAA emerging sports programs [5].
Goodell's expectation for professional player involvement in 2028 suggests the NFL may coordinate with teams to allow athletes to compete. While traditional tackle football remains the league's primary focus, the non-contact nature of flag football provides a safer entry point for new demographics, and a different competitive avenue for established stars [2].
“"I absolutely expect NFL players to play flag football in the 2028 Olympics."”
The NFL's push for flag football in the Olympics represents a diversification of its brand. By promoting a version of the sport that is more accessible to women and less physically punishing than tackle football, the league is attempting to secure a wider global talent pool and a more inclusive fan base before the 2028 games.
