Flag Football is Bound for the 2028 LA Olympics

Football fans! The speed, finesse, and energy of flag football are hitting the world stage. On Monday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially approved flag football for the 2028 Olympics set to take place in Los Angeles, California.

Baseball/softball, cricket, squash, and lacrosse were also approved by the committee. For baseball and softball, cricket and lacrosse it will be a return to the Olympic games, while squash and flag football will be making their Olympic debut in LA.

"The choice of these five new sports is in line with the American sports culture and will showcase iconic American sports to the world while bringing international sports to the United States. These sports will make the Olympic Games LA28 unique,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “Their inclusion will allow the Olympic Movement to engage with new athlete and fan communities in the US and globally.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell congratulated the International Federation of American Football for the achievement of getting the sport approved.

"Congratulations to the International Federation of American Football on this landmark achievement for flag football and the global community that loves and plays our game,” he said in a statement.

"It's a tremendous honor for any athlete to represent their country at the Olympics. We have no doubt that this decision will inspire millions of young people around the world to play this game in the years ahead."

"The NFL is committed to working together to strengthen flag football's place in the Olympic movement long term, and we look forward to continuing this exciting journey with IFAF, the LA28 Organizing Committee, the International Olympic Committee, and USA Football."

Speaking of the NFL, there have already been some rumblings of players who have expressed interest in stepping on the field to represent Team USA. The fastest man in the league, Tyreek Hill, and future Hall of Fame tight end, Rob Gronkowski, have both spoken out about the potential of joining the team. 

"Count me in already," Gronkowski reportedly said. "Hopefully there’s no tryouts and they just accept me. But I’m in. I’m going for that if there is flag football in the Olympics in 2028. USA going all the way!"

LA28 is still a few years away and Gronk would be 39 years old by then, BUT, flag football is far different from playing on Sundays. Plus, for a guy who has won multiple Super Bowl rings, adding a gold medal to the trophy case must sound enticing.

Who knows, if Gronk is in, could we potentially see a revival of the Brady (who would be 51 at the time) to Gronkowski connection on the world stage?