The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are shaping up to be unlike any in history, especially for football fans. Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, team owners unanimously approved a proposal for NFL players to participate in flag football at the Olympics in Los Angeles (the resolution needed to be approved by at least 24 of the 32 team owners).
For the first time, flag football will be featured as an official Olympic sport, opening the door for some of the NFL’s biggest stars to represent Team USA on the world’s biggest stage.
NFL Stars Eye Olympic Gold as Flag Football Heads to L.A. in 2028
Top NFL wide receivers are already drawing buzz as Olympic flag football candidates. The 2028 Games will feature five-on-five play, with six men’s and six women’s teams. Each roster will have 10 players, selected through a tryout or qualification process. With only 10 spots per team and a five-on-five format in play, not everyone will make the cut — but certain names already stand out. Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, and a handful of others have the speed, agility, and hands to dominate on a shorter field with faster tempo.
Former All-Pro defensive back Troy Vincent, now NFL executive vice president of football operations, said the Vikings’ All-Pro has been instrumental in helping the league expand its reach through flag football.
“It’s an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “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. We are thrilled that they will now have that chance.”
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 competition will feature six men’s and six women’s teams, each comprising 10 athletes. While full rules for selection and tryouts have yet to be finalized, it’s clear that a mix of NFL and potentially even college talent will be eligible. Here are seven NFL players — starting with high-profile wide receivers — who look like natural fits for Team USA.
Speed, Skill, and Star Power: 7 NFL Receivers Built for Olympic Flag Football
With the 2028 Games on the horizon, these seven receivers represent the kind of elite talent and explosive potential that could turn Team USA into a dominant force on the global flag football stage.
1) Justin Jefferson, WR | Minnesota Vikings
A smooth route-runner with elite hands and body control, Jefferson is tailor-made for the spacing and tempo of flag football. His quick-twitch acceleration and yards-after-catch ability could make him the most dangerous player on the Olympic field.
2) Ja’Marr Chase, WR | Cincinnati Bengals
Chase’s physicality, footwork, and elite tracking skills would shine in five-on-five matchups. His chemistry with quarterbacks, particularly in quick-read offenses, makes him a reliable red-zone and deep-threat target.
3) Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR | Detroit Lions
One of the most consistent slot receivers in the league, Amon-Ra St. Brown’s ability to get open quickly and operate in tight spaces would translate perfectly to the Olympic flag format. His work ethic and route precision would give Team USA a steady presence.
4) Tyreek Hill, WR | Miami Dolphins
Hill’s top-end speed and explosive agility make him a nightmare in space. In a format that emphasizes quick plays and open-field moves, the “Cheetah” would be nearly impossible to cover one-on-one. However, by the 2028 Summer Olympics, Hill will be 34 years old, and there’s no telling whether he’ll have retired. Something tells me he’ll want to stick around for this.
— Ty Hill (@cheetah)
5) Travis Hunter, WR/CB | Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Hunter, the rare two-way player, is versatile and could make him Team USA’s ultimate X-factor. His instincts and ball skills on both sides of the ball are tailor-made for a sport where turnovers and matchups often decide the outcome.
6) Matthew Golden, WR | Green Bay Packers
A dynamic rookie with a fluid route tree and natural separation skills, Matthew Golden’s speed and vision after the catch make him a rising name to watch. He has the type of burst and polish that fits perfectly in a fast-paced, flag football environment.
7) Xavier Worthy, WR | Kansas City Chiefs
Xavier Worthy, who broke the 40-yard dash record at the 2024 NFL Combine, can stretch the field vertically and turn short throws into long gains, which gives him massive Olympic upside.