Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is widely recognized as one of the NFL’s top signal-callers. A true dual-threat phenom, Allen poses a challenge to defenses both in the air and on the ground.
Beyond the stat sheet, Allen is also praised for his leadership. His teammates often credit him for keeping the team motivated and focused—on and off the field.
Now, Allen is looking beyond Buffalo as he sets his sights on something bigger: Olympic gold.
Josh Allen Wants To Represent Team USA in Flag Football
Fans of American football got big news when it was announced that flag football would be included in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. With NFL players allowed to compete, speculation has grown over which stars might represent Team USA.
Many are curious whether their favorite pros will trade shoulder pads for flags. Some also wonder how NFL stars would adapt to the fast-paced, non-contact version of the game.
Allen finally weighed in on the idea this week, telling ESPN’s SportsCenter via Instagram that he would jump at the opportunity to compete.
“I would absolutely love to,” Allen said when asked if he’d play in the 2028 Olympic Games. “I’ve always wanted to compete for my country… There’s really no greater honor [than] to do that.”
Allen joins other NFL stars like Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who also said he’d be interested in representing the U.S.—as long as it doesn’t interfere with his NFL duties.
“I have a job to do in Atlanta,” Robinson added, “and I wouldn’t want to do anything that negatively impacts my team.”
As the 2028 Games draw closer, the conversation will only grow. NFL stars will have to weigh the honor of competing for their country against their health, contracts, and team responsibilities.
Allen Could Excel at Flag Football—But Should He Play?
Flag football may sound like a simple twist on tackle football, but the two games are very different. A flag team consists of just 10 total players—five per side on the field. There’s no offensive line, and positions are much less defined.
The most successful players in flag football are those with elite speed, agility, and versatility. That puts mobile quarterbacks like Allen in a great spot. He has the arm talent and athleticism to thrive in a faster, more open game.
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But there are risks. The NFL is nearly a year-round grind, with players training hard even during the offseason. Adding Olympic competition to the mix could create overlap with team workouts, and owners must consider the injury risks and cap implications. Even though the league has approved player participation, it’s a major decision for any athlete.
Allen earned an A- grade in the QB+ metric from Pro Football and Sports Network for 2024, thanks to another standout season in Buffalo. He may be a perfect fit for the Olympic format, but his first goal remains leading the Bills to their first Super Bowl title.
