A vote Tuesday paved the way for players such as Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill to play Olympic flag football.
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NFL approves players in '28 Games, but hurdles remain
IF AND WHEN NFL players are permitted to represent Team USA in flag football during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones would like to convey a simple message:
Sign me up.
"Flag football players may be upset at me for this, but yes, I would absolutely love it," 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 honor that you can represent your country in."
Jones and many of the key stakeholders needed to make this a reality have already made their positions clear on the idea of NFL players participating in the Olympic debut of flag football.
"Man, that notion of being able to represent your country, whether you're going to represent Team USA, Asia, Mexico -- whatever -- that's the ultimate dream," NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said.
Among players, Jones is joined by many -- including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill -- who have expressed interest.
"It's a perfect opportunity to get everybody playing one sport, representing America as a whole, and hopefully get a gold medal,"
New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs told ESPN.
The prospect even has support among owners.
"That's exciting and positive for the NFL," Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "I can see that and identify with that real quick... I'm a fan of what the Olympics can do for interest in your sport."
With so much common ground, it might seem as if NFL players suiting up in the Los Angeles Games would be a slam dunk. In reality, it will require the parties to navigate many thorny issues.
NFL owners convened in Minnesota on Tuesday and approved a resolution released last Thursday that aims to make this a reality. The resolution needed to be approved by at least 24 of the 32 team owners, but it was approved unanimously.
After the voting result was announced, Minnesota Vikings All Pro receiver Justin Jefferson praised the opportunity for which he was strongly advocating. But Jefferson didn't commit to trying out for the 2028 Games.
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