During the NFL’s league meeting this week, it was decided that they would allow NFL players to try out for and participate in Team USA flag football competition for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. However, things still need to happen for this to move forward, which is why the league is working with the NFL Players Association, the International Federation of American Football, and USA Football to make it happen.
There is much excitement around this vote as flag football is making its debut at the Olympics, and everyone wants to know who will make it. The NFL’s flag football program employs a five-on-five format, with each team fielding offensive and defensive players. The rule on who can participate is limited to two players per team, one of whom will be the team’s designated international player.
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On offense, teams will field a quarterback who can only run past the line of scrimmage after handing the ball off and receiving a lateral pass, a center who can go out for a pass immediately after snapping the ball, and wide receivers/running backs who line up in standard formats.
On defense, teams will field a rusher who can rush the quarterback from seven yards off the line of scrimmage, a defensive back who essentially functions as a cornerback, and a safety whose primary goal is to defend the passing game.
There are additional rule differences, but what people really want to know is who we think will lead Team USA in 2028. CBS Sports believes that Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels could lead the charge. Speed, elusiveness, athleticism, and multipurpose potential were all the biggest factors in choosing players.
It’s why, at quarterback, we prioritized a true dual threats, with Daniels arguably best positioned to offer the best of both worlds — tightrope accuracy, downfield touch and effortless mobility — in three years’ time.
They also considered Lamar Jackson, Brock Purdy, and Caleb Williams at quarterback.
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The rest of the positions include Jahmyr Gibbs, De’Von Achane, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Travis Hunter (WR), Micah Parsons, Nolan Smith Jr., Derek Stingley Jr., and Maxwell Hairston.
Above all else, here’s what we have to remember: There are already flag football leagues, and you can be sure that they’ll have players showing up to try out as well. Plus, if the Olympic committee can’t meet the NFL’s scheduling restrictions, then the players may not be allowed to play after all. Either way, flag football is coming to the Olympics in three years, and this writer is here for it!
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Jayden Daniels could lead USA’s flag football team in 2028 Olympics