NFL Approves Olympic Flag Football, But Don’t Expect Lamar Jackson to Play

NFL players are closer to competing in flag football at the Olympics, but don’t expect Lamar Jackson to suit up.

In a reported unanimous vote, league owners approved Tuesday to authorizes the league to work with the NFL Players Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and the relevant Olympic authorities to implement rules governing the participation of NFL players in flag football, which makes its Olympic debut in 2028 in Los Angeles.

Olympic rosters will be selected by each countries’ National Olympic Committees. The Olympic flag football competition will consist of six men’s teams and six women’s teams composed of 10 players per team, with the game itself being five-on-five.

NFL player participation with their countries’ national flag football teams will begin with a tryout or qualification process in advance of the Olympic competition.

“It’s an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated. “I know first-hand that the inclusion of flag football in the Olympics has sparked a tremendous amount of excitement among NFL players interested in the chance to compete for their country on the world stage. We are thrilled that they will now have that chance.”