The Olympic dream just got real for some of the NFL’s biggest stars, especially Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson.
The announcement followed a unanimous vote by NFL team owners, clearing the way for current players to represent Team USA when the sport makes its Olympic debut in Los Angeles. For Jefferson, the news was almost too good to process.
From NFL Star to Olympic Hopeful: Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson Eyes Flag Football Gold
Flag football’s inclusion in the Games has already created buzz across the league, with speculation about which stars could make the cut. While only a handful of roster spots will be available — six men’s and six women’s teams, each fielding 10 players — Jefferson is one of the few with a legitimate shot. The 25-year-old wideout, regarded as one of the NFL elite, was understandably emotional about the opportunity.
“To be honest, I’m at a loss for words,” Jefferson said, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “To think about the chance of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal, it’s a dream.”
That dream is now within reach. The 2028 event will feature a five-on-five format, requiring wide receivers to adjust to a faster, smaller-field game. Few are better suited than Jefferson, whose sharp routes, quickness, and elite hands make him a natural fit. With a 2022 Offensive Player of the Year award, multiple All-Pro honors, and over 1,000 yards in just 10 games last season, he’s clearly a top contender.
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson on flag football in the Olympics and the NFL being able to participate, “to be honest, I’m at a loss for words.”
“To think about the chance of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal, it’s a dream.”
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor)
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged the magnitude of the moment, both for the league and the players.
“It’s an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport,” Goodell said. “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.”
Roger Goodell calls passing of resolution to allow NFL players to compete in Olympic Flag football “great opportunity for the sport. For the NFL, it’s truly the next step in making NFL football, and football a global sport for men and women of all ages and all opportunities.” pic.twitter.com/aDyGdN68uI
— Mike Jones (@ByMikeJones)
The buzz is only going to grow from here. Jefferson won’t be the only receiver vying for a shot at Olympic gold. Players like Ja’Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, Amon-Ra St. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, and A.J. Brown all bring unique skill sets to the table. With three years until the unprecedented event, today’s college stars — like Jeremiah Smith or Ryan Williams — could also be in the mix by 2028.
But few have Jefferson’s blend of production and potential. If the Olympics are meant to showcase the best, it’s hard to imagine a Team USA without him.
As the path to tryouts and roster selections begins to take shape, Jefferson’s dream is no longer hypothetical. It’s a real possibility — one that could add a gold medal to an already decorated career.