The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are set to make history with the debut of flag football, and NFL stars are already being discussed as potential players.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson recently weighed in on who he believes should lead Team USA’s offense at quarterback.
Justin Jefferson Shares Thoughts on Who Should Be Team USA’s Flag Football QB1 in 2028 Olympics
In a conversation with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Jefferson addressed the buzz surrounding the 2028 Olympic flag football competition and the potential involvement of NFL athletes.
The topic of who should be QB1 for Team USA came up, particularly after comments from the current Team USA flag football quarterback, who claimed that even Patrick Mahomes wouldn’t be able to beat him out for the starting job.
My full @nflnetwork interview with #Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson and Brian Asamoah at the Spring League Meeting on NFL players going to the 2028 Olympics, Team USA’s QB1, chemistry with J.J. McCarthy, lots more. pic.twitter.com/T61U4cu6k5
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero)
Responding to this, Pelissero asked Jefferson, “Is there any question in your mind that if we line up the NFL players, let’s give me a bunch of NFL dudes in the Olympics…” Jefferson offered a measured response, acknowledging the skill and experience of current flag football athletes.
“I don’t know,” Jefferson said. “Cause I was just talking about it in the press conference. Cause you know, those guys play flag football every day. You know, they know the rules, they know the ins and out on, you know, everything. So it will be tough to, you know, just to say like, it’s just going to be all NFL players.”
He went on to highlight the limitations on roster size and the challenge of making the final cut. “And on top of that, it’s only going to be so many positions, you know, it’s only going to be so many spots on the team. So everybody can’t play, you know, so it’s going to be tough…”
Still, when asked directly about Mahomes, Jefferson didn’t hesitate to express respect for the three-time NFL champion. “But I mean, that’s, that’s going to be difficult to beat out Patrick Mahomes for the start quarterback spot.”
Mahomes, who would be 32 years old by the time of the Los Angeles Games, has already expressed interest in participating. According to reports, Mahomes showed interest shortly after Tyreek Hill, suggesting a possible Kansas City Chiefs reunion on the Olympic stage.
NFL owners recently voted in favor of allowing players to participate in the 2028 Olympic flag football event. The decision, approved during the league’s spring meeting, reflects a growing excitement around the sport. As Commissioner Roger Goodell noted, “It’s an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics… We are thrilled that they will now have that chance.”
With only 10-player rosters and a five-on-five format, competition for a spot will be intense. But if Jefferson’s endorsement means anything, Mahomes may already be the frontrunner for QB1.