Introduction to the Proposal
The NFL owners are set to discuss a proposal that could allow players under contract to participate in flag football when the sport makes its Olympic debut in 2028 in Los Angeles.
The league released a proposed resolution on Thursday on the issue that will be considered next week by owners at the spring meetings in Minnesota.
The Resolution and Its Implications
If the resolution is approved by at least 24 of the 32 team owners, the league would be allowed to negotiate with the NFL Players Association, Olympic officials, and national governing bodies on the specifics of letting NFL players participate.
“There’s more work to be done there,” NFL executive Jeff Miller said. “It will certainly be an important topic of conversation. … I would expect it to be an engaging and robust conversation on that topic.”
The NFL’s Push into Flag Football
The NFL has been making a big push into flag football in hopes of increasing youth participation and opportunities for women in the sport. The league played a major role in making sure the Los Angeles Olympics would be the first with flag football, with events for both men and women.
Player Interest and Participation
Several star players, including Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Miami receiver Tyreek Hill, have expressed interest in the past in participating in the Olympics. Minnesota running back Aaron Jones lit up when asked last month about the possibility.
“I would absolutely love it. Every other sport gets an opportunity to win a gold medal," Jones said. “And if you’re not serving your country in the military, I feel like that’s the other highest honor.”
Proposal Details
The proposal would allow only one player per NFL team to be selected by a country for the Olympics in addition to each team’s designated international player.
It also provides for injury protection and salary cap credit in case of any injuries and requires minimum standards for medical staffs and field surfaces.
The 2028 Games and NFL Schedule
The 2028 Games will be held from July 14-30. Training camps would typically open for teams that summer in the final week of July based on the current league schedule.
Conclusion
The proposal to allow NFL players to participate in flag football at the Olympics is a significant development for the sport. If approved, it could provide a unique opportunity for players to represent their countries and compete at the highest level. The NFL’s push into flag football is also expected to increase youth participation and opportunities for women in the sport.
FAQs
Q: When will the proposal be discussed by NFL owners?
A: The proposal will be discussed next week by owners at the spring meetings in Minnesota.
Q: How many owners need to approve the resolution?
A: At least 24 of the 32 team owners need to approve the resolution.
Q: Which players have expressed interest in participating in the Olympics?
A: Several star players, including Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Aaron Jones, have expressed interest in participating in the Olympics.
Q: How many players per NFL team can be selected for the Olympics?
A: Only one player per NFL team can be selected by a country for the Olympics, in addition to each team’s designated international player.
