Which NFL Stars Could Represent Team USA in Flag Football at the 2028 Olympics?
Adam Martin 
After the news that NFL players will be able to play in the Olympics, there has been constant speculation on forums and online betting sites about who might suit up in Los Angeles.
Many analysts have focused on the big names, but there might be a few surprises thrown in as well.
Free Bets NFL expert Adam Martin looks closer at which NFL stars could line up in LA.
Many players have expressed an interest in taking part and NFL Commissioner, Rodger Goodell, expressed his excitement at the prospect in a statement. "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." He went on to say, "It's an incredible honour for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport,"
Each team will consist of ten players, five on offence and five on defence. The defence consists of four coverage players and one “free rusher”. The offence will have one player to snap the ball, who will become an attacker, one Quarterback and three other attacking options. With that in mind, we have a look at who from the NFL might travel to the Olympics in Los Angeles.
The Best Player for Flag Football
Arguably the best player in the NFL for the Olympics has not played a snap in the NFL yet. Travis Hunter, who has just been drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars this year, has a massive attribute. His versatility is a must have for any flag football team.
Hunter has shown in his time at college that he is a top end cornerback and wide receiver. Two of the most important positions in flag football are cornerback and wide receiver. To be able to have the versatility to move a player into both positions at any time is a huge advantage. To have one with the level of quality that Hunter has is a complete game changer.
Quarterbacks
In the rules it states that quarterbacks can’t run, unless lateraled the ball. Instinctively that might make you think that a rushing quarterback is not the way forward. However, in flag football, lateralling the ball is common.
The likes of Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels and Kyler Murray would make a ton of sense for team USA. However, so far none of them have spoken about getting involved. Patrick Mahomes is someone who has said he would like to play would be another interesting option given his ability to improvise.
Attacking Options
One important rule is that you can’t have any rushing plays within five yards of the endzone. This will probably stop many running backs from being picked to play. If a running back was to be involved it would most likely be a pass catching one. Jahmyr Gibbs would make a lot of sense given his pass catching abilities.
Also, running backs like Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffery would make great options. The Vikings Aaron Jones has also said that he would love to get involved in the competition. Jones said “Every other sport gets an opportunity to win a gold medal, and if you're not serving your country in the military, I feel like that's the other highest honour that you can represent your country in."
There will be plenty of wide receivers and tight ends that would make a lot of sense to play. Most teams will play with at least three pass catching options and most likely four. Tyreek Hill would be an obvious choice and someone who has said that he would want to play. His speed will be a huge asset to the team, but he could also be used in a more surprising role. With Hill snapping the ball to the quarterback it would open the whole field for him to exploit.
Justin Jefferson is another player who has shown an interest in playing, describing his reaction as a “loss for words” after the approval and that the potential to earn a gold medal for the United States was a “dream.” Other great NFL receivers like Ja’Marr Chase, AJ Brown and CeeDee Lamb would be likely to get involved.
Brock Bowers could be a potential candidate to play given his bigger body size. Winning contested catches in the endzone is important in flag football and someone like Bowers or George Kittle could be a good choice.
Defensive Options
Most defensive players that get picked in flag football will be cornerbacks or safeties. Each team has four coverage players and so going up and getting the ball is a big asset to a team. Arguably the top cornerback in the NFL currently is the Broncos Patrick Surtain. If you ever wanted a player who could do everything that was needed it would be Surtain. He has great size and speed and his handling skills are second to none.
Sauce Gardner and Trent Mcduffie from the Jets and Chiefs respectively are also great options to play. Both have shown that they are versatile coverage players in the NFL and would be great at flag football.
Jessie Bates has had a great NFL career at the safety position and has had many interceptions. Xavier McKinney is another ballhawk who has been great for the Giants and Packers during his time in the NFL. Both players would make great coverage defenders for the Olympic team.
Each team will have a free rusher as part of their defence. The free rusher must stand seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. You are looking for a player with speed to really make an impact and put pressure on the opposition.
Two guys who have the speed and are elite defenders in the NFL are the 49ers Fred Warner and Chargers Derwin James. Warner has shown over the years what an elite defender he is capable of being. James also has shown elite speed, running a 4.47 40 time at his combine.
There are many more players that could be involved that haven’t been mentioned and US Football will not want to stop regular flag football players from playing as well. However, the thought of some of these NFL players being involved is exciting and seeing them line up will be a highlight for the 2028 Olympics.
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