NFL players we want to see play flag football at the 2028 LA Olympics

The Olympics have never included flag football as a sport in its storied history, but will showcase it at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. It should be an intriguing global spectacle, as the game is largely seen as American. While the Olympics might overlap with NFL training camp, we’d still love to see these professional players compete in the inaugural flag football competition for Team USA.

Part of the projection exercise involves making educated guesses as to which NFL players might still be at the top of their game in five years, but there’s no reason to doubt Hill’s ability in this format.

In addition to the blazing speed he brings to the field, he’s also one of the most entertaining players when it comes to touchdown celebrations. AP News and USA Today highlighted some of Hill's choreographed moves.

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It would be interesting to see Mahomes in a backyard football setting. He’s one of the most creative throwers in NFL history, and would undoubtedly uncork sidearm throws that travel 45 yards down the field. The Ringer created a glossary of his unorthodox flings.

The Kansas City quarterback has also been known to deliver the ball underhanded and shot-put style, which makes for an intriguing wrinkle. A three-time Super Bowl champion, Mahomes would also likely not wilt under pressure.

From the moment he’s stepped foot on an NFL field, Robinson has proved he belongs. The highly touted running back out of the University of Texas has shown he’s a versatile threat from the backfield, and split out wide as a receiver.

Flag football teams would have nightmares trying to figure out how to cover him. SB Nation called him a "soul eater" weapon.

One of the biggest concerns about quarterbacks who like to run is their elevated chances of hits that cause injury. In flag football, that contact isn’t allowed, which makes Jackson’s style perfect.

Defenses would not know whether to keep their eye on their matchup, or an eye on a lightning fast signal caller rushing for chunks of yardage. Yahoo Sports wrote in January 2024 that he can do it all.

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Because there is no tackling in flag football, many might overlook the defensive aspects involved in the sport. However, getting stops is still a part of the game, and it would be great to have a player who could lock down an opponent’s best pass catcher.

Enter Gardner, who has already emerged as one of the premier shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL. Pro Football Focus ranked him first amongst all players at his position after the 2023 season.

Versatility is tough to account for in the NFL, and would present the same type of challenges in flag football. While Hill has been a complementary player during his time with the New Orleans Saints, he does have a jack of all trades skill set. ClutchPoints wrote that he's been likened to a "truck" and a "buff gazelle".

He would be in his late thirties by the time 2028 rolls around, but his inclusion as a part-time player could be worthwhile.

Sports Illustrated and others have called Williams a generational prospect. If he delivers on the hype, he would undoubtedly be a candidate to represent the United States in flag football. The defending Heisman Trophy winner has a tantalizing physical profile.

Generally speaking, football is an easier sport to play when you have a receiver who can go up and make a play on the ball. Chase is one of the best at doing that in the NFL, and is one of those players who are open even if he is covered. Being physical with the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver wouldn’t be an option, which would make life a lot more difficult for opposing defenses.

Do you think we'll get to see NFL players in the Olympics, or do you think their contracted teams will make it impossible for their players to compete in the global tournament? Let us know what you think in the comments!

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