CNN
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NFL owners voted Tuesday to allow league players to participate in the flag football tournament at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The proposal said one or more players from each team cannot participate in the event – not only is it making its Olympic debut as a sport in Angel City, but it also provides support to those involved, including injuries protection and pay cap credits.
“To represent your country at the Olympics, the pinnacle of global sports, is an incredible honor for any athlete,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “We know first hand that the inclusion of flag football in the Olympics has sparked tremendous excitement among NFL players interested in the opportunity to compete in their country on the world stage. We are excited that they have that opportunity.”
To pass the motion, a 75% majority among NFL owners who support changes to the rules, and 24 out of 32 votes are required.
The league will work with Player Union on Rules for NFL Players’ Participation, the International American Football Federation, and related Olympic Governing Authorities.
The Olympic Flag Football Competition consists of six men’s and six women’s teams, each with 10 players. The game is 5-5, with the rest of the players acting as alternatives.
“Players have expressed great aspirations to us to celebrate competing in the Olympics, and we are excited that our members can represent our country on the best international stage,” Lloyd Howell Jr., executive director of the NFL Players Association, said in a statement.
“We look forward to working with the league, IFAF and Olympic officials to ensure that competing players are protected by health, safety and job protection.”
Since Flag Football was announced at the Olympic Program, there has been an increasing amount of screaming about enabling NFL players to participate.
In recent years, NFL players have been competing in flag football events, and the Pro Bowl added a flag football game to its schedule in 2023.
“We believe that membership will raise interest in several leagues, including the participation of NFL players in FLAG football during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, as well as the growing interest of FLAG football fans and public interest, as well as expanding the global reach of the NFL,” the proposal states.
Flag Football is a contactless version of the traditional game. According to the International American Football Federation (IFAF), it is played by over 20 million people in over 100 countries.
Instead of tackle, the player is stopped by removing one of the two flags attacked at the waist of the ball carrier. The game is 5-for-5, with no offensive or defensive lines and teams can choose a team of 12 people.
“We warmly welcome the results of this vote, and we promise to add another dimension to what has already shaped Flag Football’s game-changing debut at the Olympic Games,” IFAF President Pierre Trochet said in a statement.
“The National Football League is home to the biggest stars of American football coming from more and more countries, and now has the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage of world sports, showing us everything that makes flag football a real, global phenomenon.”
Given the speed and elusiveness of trying to get the flag and avoid opposition, NFL players like Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Philadelphia Eagles can run through Saquon Berkeley.