APRIL 7: Tension appears to exist between the NFL and owners on the matter of Olympic participation, as noted by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. Members of the latter group are understandably hesitant about players getting injured in a non-NFL environment and missing offseason time with their respective teams in the process. It will be interesting to see if progress toward an agreement addressing this matter comes about in the near future.
APRIL 6: 2028 will mark the debut of flag football as an Olympic event. The prospect of NFL players taking part has been raised on several occasions, so to no surprise it was a topic of discussion at the recent league meetings. 
When speaking to the media on the subject, commissioner Roger Goodell said he has heard from several players (American and otherwise) expressing a desire to play at the Olympics. Several matters related to insurance and timing will need to be worked out for that to be feasible, since the Games are scheduled for July 14-30. Discussions related to moving training camp and other issues have taken place, and further progress could be coming soon.
“I think that’s something that we’ll continue to discuss with, not just the union, but also the clubs,” Goodell said, via ESPN’s Stephen Holder. “I think both of those [injuries and scheduling] are things that we’ll probably resolve sometime in the next 60 days.”
Clarity for all parties involved would be welcomed as NFL players look ahead to playing on the international stage. It was clear last February a mutual interest existed between the league and the NFLPA for an agreement paving the way for participation to be made possible. Wideouts Tyreek Hill and Mike Evans are among the active players who have publicly stated a desire to take part in the Olympics.
The NFL played a central role in making flag football an Olympic event, and having strong representation from the league could help lead to further interest in the sport on a global level. The NFL’s continued exploration of international venues for regular season contests marks another sign of its willingness to grow football in general and flag in particular. On that note, it was reported around the time of the Super Bowl that work was taking place for the creation of a professional flag football league.
Goodell said at the league meetings (via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero) bids are coming in with respect to a flag league getting off the ground. On that front as well, Goodell expects progress to be made in the near future. Provided things go according to plan, flag football will – in more than one capacity – remain a key priority for the league now and for several years to come.
Ask Robert Edwards why players should risk their careers in a flag football game.
That one was brutal, almost lost his leg
Roger Goodell couldn’t take player safety any less seriously without throwing knives at unsuspecting sidelines.
It’s a tough one since sounds like the players want to play. The NFL will benefit though.
Flag football? Are you f’n kidding me? Only way this should happen in the Olympics is if it’s women in bikinis playing.
This has got to be the dumbest idea I have ever heard. Why would a player risk his career or even a productive year to participate in the joke they call the Olympics. Another dumb idea to go along with overseas games, 18 game seasons, and overseas Super Bowls. Maybe some UFL players or arena league players could participate but if I’m an owner of an NFL team I would squash that idea as of yesterday.
I think all the “dumb” ideas you listed came to fruition cause they make a lot of $$ for the owners. This one puts their assets at risk though. I’ll be surprised if it happens.
I’m interested to see which city’s lucky taxpayers are asked to pony up several million dollars to construct a Flag Football Hall of Fame 🙂
This will be the first time the players won’t need union representation. They are all in on this.
What a ludicrous event. Flag football does not belong in any Olympics. Unbelievable that Roger Goodell and the NFL are proud of cheapening amateur sport and desecrating the Olympics.
Flag football is not football in the first place. Internationally, American football is a relatively unpopular game which does not belong in an international competition. Apparently modern Americans feel they deserve participation medals to just show up for sports which interest only a handful of nations.
I think it’s bigger than you realize world wide. Of course NFL wants to see it grow, it is not tackle football but many elements of that in the game.
It’s a free gold medal, no country is going to be able to compete since very few NFL players claim other countries. I doubt flag football is a lock for every Olympics so this is likely a 1of 1.
Is bigger than I thought actually. Did some research on it. One of the fastest growing sports internationally. Over 20 million people playing. 32 countries have programs. USA is ranked number one, which doesn’t surprise. Back in high school in 80s I played it in gym classes, so not new. There are mens and women’s teams. Gotta be better than breaking was.
Break dancing doesn’t belong either. It’s a niche, ephemeral artistic activity, not a classic sports.
I say that not as a typical team sport fan who doesn’t have respect for the arts – I do. Dance was one of the biggest pieces of my life for decades.
The fiasco involved with second-rate representatives turning up and making a farce of the Olympics is a fate coming soon to flag football.
I’d rather watch paint dry than watch Tyreek Hill or any other NFL player burn some athlete from France or China on some “go” route. So insane. The players just want to have their own Dream Team NFL-style.
The part of the story that won’t be included is that the rest of the world was starting to catch up (and in some cases, pass our college and “amateur” players). The basketball Dream Team was an effort to assert our dominance in that sport again.
In flag football, a team of D-III all stars could run rings around any of the world’s best athletes.
Will be embarrassing to watch.
That was the first thing I thought of when I read the headline; NFL players jealous of NBA Dream Teams.
Thinks that’s embarrassing? Wait til next year, when the semi-pro HOFers come out of retirement for weeks of televised tryouts.
This event will provide ample opportunity for speculation as to whether or not Aaron Rodgers may or may not decide to participate.
It will be a preview of where the league is headed
“Preview” might be a bit generous…
Olympic flag football would be just a stupid as break dancing.