Interest from active NFL players in joining Team USA flag football for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has been picking up steam in recent months. That was pretty clear during last weekend’s Fanatics Flag Football Classic, where several players got a taste of the non-contact format.
But the matchups also showed a gap in how familiar NFL players are with flag football compared to the U.S. men’s national team, who’ve been playing it for years.
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Derwin James Jr. suggests NFL players skip 2028 Olympics
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. talked about it with TMZ Sports at LAX after the event. He did not play because of an injury, but he watched everything go down. James acknowledged the opportunity for NFL players but brought up injury concerns as a real issue.
He also gave props to the flag football players, saying their experience gives them a leg up, and maybe NFL players need to think twice about jumping in.
“I say the next Olympics. Give them boys this one ’cause I feel they’re more prepared, they’re more skilled. I mean, you seen the formations they was running out there, it was crazy!” James Jr. said. “Give the NFL players, you know, that’s kinda retired, already done playing, kind of on the backend, because I feel like a lot of those movements is a lot of risk on your joints, too.”
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr.
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James, who had three interceptions and one forced fumble last season, went further by saying practice squad players should not even be thinking about Olympic flag football. Their focus should be on making an active roster, not competing in a different sport.
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The International Olympic Committee announced back in October 2023 that flag football would be part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program. The International Federation of American Football pushed for it, with backing from the National Football League.
It’s another sign of how the sport is growing worldwide and opening doors for athletes to compete on a bigger stage.
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