• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

Everything You Need to Know About Olympic Flag Football

The NFL will allow active players to compete in flag football at the 2028 Olympics, but several policies will govern their participation.

Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC running back Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons (7) carries the ball against AFC linebacker Zaire Franklin of the Indianapolis Colts (left) and cornerback Marlon Humphrey of the Baltimore Ravens during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

With NFL players now officially allowed to compete in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, discussion about building Team USA—and some other national squads—will be top of mind for fans, players, and media members alike.

But there are several key rules and provisions to know as the discourse builds over the next three years. The NFL and the International Federation of American Football worked together to get approval from the International Olympic Committee in 2023.

Who Can Play?

Only one player from each NFL team can compete for a specific national team, so multiple players from the same franchise can participate—as long as they’re representing different countries.

For example, stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce wouldn’t be able to team up for the U.S. However, Mahomes could lace it up for Team USA while his teammate George Karlaftis plays for Greece, if they qualify.

Additionally, each NFL team’s designated international player (who is allowed to occupy an extra spot on the practice squad) may compete for his country, regardless of other players from the team competing. Those players are typically not well-known stars.

What Are the X’s and O’s?

The game itself is a 5-on-5 format: one quarterback and four receivers/running backs, one of whom begins the play at center. Defenders are allowed to blitz, provided they start from at least 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

The game is played in two 20-minute halves on a field that’s 70 yards long (including end zones) and 25 yards wide. The offense has four plays to cross midfield for a first down, at which point it becomes 1st-and-goal. There is no kicking, so after a touchdown, teams have the option to go for one or two extra points, with a single play from 5 yards or 12 yards, respectively. 

Which Nations Will Make It?

The Olympic flag football competition will include teams from six nations, featuring 10 players per squad. 

A record 31 nations participated in the 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championship. The top six finishers in the men’s competition were, in order, the U.S., Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, France, and Italy. 

The other nations in the championship round were Canada, Denmark, Israel, Great Britain, Japan, Germany, Panama, Spain, Australia, and the Czech Republic. The qualification process for flag football at the Los Angeles Olympics has not yet been determined. 

What Will the Turnout Be?

It remains to be seen how many NFL players will end up on Olympic teams.

During the basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Games, a record 51 current NBA players were on Olympic rosters. There will be no restrictions on former NFL players competing in Olympic flag football. 

Canada typically has the largest number of non-U.S. players in the NFL. Current notable names include Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard and Bills receiver Josh Palmer. 

For Team USA and others, there could also be the potential of pairing veteran, championship-winning flag football players with NFL players.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Eagles

The Death of Streameast Has Been Greatly Exaggerated

Mirror sites began popping up Thursday, the day the NFL season begins.
Scott Hanson

NFL Says ‘RedZone’ Will Have ‘Incredibly Small Ad Load’ Amid Furor

Ads on “RedZone” will match the two-box format of last December’s test.
Arch Manning

NIL Go Says It Has Cleared $80 Million in NIL Deals So..

NIL collectives, however, say the majority of their deals are in limbo.
Aug 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws a pass during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium.

Giants Sell Minority Stake to Kochs At Reported $10B Valuation

It’s the latest in a flurry of minority stake deals for NFL teams.

Featured Today

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.

NBA Hopes Global Format Can Revive 2026 All-Star Game

A new, globally themed format is in development for the midseason showcase.
Caitlin Clark
September 3, 2025

Podcast Deletes Episode With Big3 Announcer’s Claim of $15M Caitlin Clark Offer

Clark’s WNBA contract was less than $80,000 in her first season.
September 3, 2025

Scheffler, McIlroy, but No LIV at Trump Jupiter Made-for-TV Showcase

The eight-player team showcase will take place Dec. 17 in primetime.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
September 3, 2025

Barcelona, AC Milan Abroad? Fan Groups Reject Travel Plans

Supporter groups warn of a “Pandora’s box” if overseas games happen.
September 3, 2025

Roger Goodell: NFL’s Next Frontier Is More Games, More Countries

The commissioner has pushed for an 18-game season since last spring.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, left, and singer-songwriter Taylor Swift appear at the Kansas City Classic season opening game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Nebraska Cornhuskers, Aug. 28, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. This is the first time the couple have appeared in the public since their engagement.
September 3, 2025

Roger Goodell Says Taylor Swift a ‘Maybe’ for Super Bowl LX

Halftime show announcements have recently been made in September.
Fever
September 3, 2025

Fever at Risk of Missing WNBA Playoffs Ahead of Wild Final Week

Four teams are fighting for three spots.