Flag football, a sport once relegated to high school gym classes and casual backyard games is poised to make its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. In the past, the sport was often viewed as a recreational activity and wasn’t taken seriously.
It’s a far cry from the tackling and bone-crushing hits that characterize typical American football. In flag football, the aim is simple: grab the flag from the ball carrier’s belt. No tackling or hard hits are allowed, just speed and strategy. The game is also played with only seven players on each side, in contrast to the NFL’s eleven.
The announcement of flag football’s inclusion in the Olympics might seem surprising to some, but it signifies the sport’s incredible journey from obscurity to the world’s biggest sporting event. It’s a testament to the growth of the sport and the dedication of those who have been working tirelessly to promote it.
“People need to see the true potential of this sport, and this is a great step forward,” said Junior and Varsity Flag Football quarterback Evie Foster.
One of the key figures in this transformation is a program funded by Under Armour and the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, which aims to introduce and develop flag football at the high school level. The NFL has been a significant supporter of flag football, recognizing its potential to become a mainstream sport.
NFL players will be allowed to represent flag football in the Olympics, and players such as Dolphins wide-out Tyreek Hill are interested in the prospect.
“This could bring so much more attention to the sport, especially with NFL players expressing interest…the fan bases could collide,” Foster said.
Many have started “fancasting” their ideal Olympic team of existing NFL players, but there is ample time before the team will be announced.
As flag football continues to gain momentum, it demonstrates that even sports once considered unconventional can make their mark in the athletic world; the 2028 Olympics will bring historic buzz to the once undermined sport.
