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Olympics: Flag Football

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ScriptOhio

ScriptOhio

Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.

History of Flag Football​

What is Flag Football?​

Flag football is a variant of American football (or gridiron) where the aim is to advance up the pitch via a series of offensive plays into the opposition’s defensive end zone. It is a non-contact sport with 'tackles' made by removing one of two fabric 'flags' attached to the ball-carrier’s waist - one on each side.

By whom, where and when was Flag Football invented?

Flag football started out as a means of recreation for American soldiers during World War II who then brought the game back home with them. Fort Meade in Maryland is said to have hosted the first games of flag football.

Flag football is scheduled to be introduced as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The inclusion of flag football in the Olympics is a significant milestone, particularly for the sport's growth and recognition on a global scale. The International Olympic Committee approved the addition after the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee recommended it. Flag football will be one of five new sports at the LA28 Olympics, along with cricket, squash, baseball / softball and lacrosse, with only two out of 90 members voting "no".

Owners to discuss resolution to allow NFL players to participate in flag football at 2028 Olympics​

The NFL has heard the calls to involve its stars in the upcoming Olympics debut of flag football.

NFL owners will discuss a resolution at next week's Spring League Meeting that would allow NFL players to participate in flag football during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the league announced on Thursday.

The resolution would permit no more than one player from each team to participate in the 2028 Olympics, plus each team's designated international player, clearing the way for NFL participation on clubs outside of the United States.

"The membership believes that participation by NFL players in flag football during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California will support such growth and advance several league interests, including increasing fan and public interest in flag football, expanding the global reach of the NFL," the resolution stated.

Since flag football was announced as an official sport for the 2028 Olympics, fans far and wide have pleaded for the NFL to allow its stars to participate in the games.
The league was already a few steps ahead of this process when, in 2023, it evolved the Pro Bowl into the Pro Bowl Games, which included the marquee flag football event on Sunday.

Now, it appears they're moving closer to making this a reality. The NFL can effectively compile a dream team of pro players for Team USA (and beyond), but not without guardrails.

Among the other rules the resolution specified for NFL player participation in the Olympics:
  • "Appropriate injury protection and salary cap credit" would be provided for any player who is injured while participating in "flag football activities related to the 2028 Olympic Games."
  • Olympic teams would agree to "implement certain minimum standards for medical staff and field surfaces."
  • The schedule for flag football games and related events would not "unreasonably conflict" with a player's league and team commitments.
If passed -- which would require a vote of 24 out of 32 owners -- expect a significant increase in flag football interest. Fans will immediately start dreaming of star-studded rosters, and while the United States leads the way in terms of talent cultivation, the NFL's reach will stretch beyond the 50 states, adding more intrigue to the debut of the sport in 2028.
 
www.espn.com

The NFL is excited about Olympic flag football, but will its stars participate? Not everyone is on board

A vote Tuesday paved the way for players such as Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill to play Olympic flag football.
www.espn.com www.espn.com

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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ScriptOhio said:
www.espn.com

The NFL is excited about Olympic flag football, but will its stars participate? Not everyone is on board

A vote Tuesday paved the way for players such as Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill to play Olympic flag football.
www.espn.com www.espn.com

NFL approves players in '28 Games, but hurdles remain​

...
"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.

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continued
Click to expand...
How embarrassing would it be if Team USA didn't win a gold medal?
It'd be like going to a party and bringing a game that is totally skill-based, and teaching it to everybody, and then NOT winning it. Except probably way worse.
I don't know what kind of "market share" the NFL has outside of the US. Is "Market Share" the correct term? Regardless, I think this is an opportunity to expand on it. I mean, I didn't know what Curling was until that one Olympics in Canada, and now it's on TV all the time (on some obscure channel at the bar).
 
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Just sayin'; Apparently the current U.S. National Flag Football Team (whoever they are) doesn't want NFL players..... :lol:

www.cbssports.com

Jason Kelce suggests unique showdown to determine 2028 Olympic flag football team

This would be the most entertaining way to figure out who represents Team USA in Los Angeles
www.cbssports.com www.cbssports.com

Jason Kelce suggests unique showdown to determine 2028 Olympic flag football team​

This would be the most entertaining way to figure out who represents Team USA in Los Angeles​

There might be an Olympic beef brewing between the current U.S. national team and NFL players hoping to win a gold medal in 2028. In hopes of settling that beef before it even starts, Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce has proposed a solution.

On their "New Heights" podcast, Jason and Travis Kelce talked about the idea of NFL players participating in flag football at the Olympics, which was recently approved by league owners. The inclusion of NFL players has been met with resistance by members of the current national team, including quarterback Darrell 'Housh" Doucette.

Travis Kelce threw out the idea of open tryouts for the Olympic team.

"Is this guy afraid of competition?" Travis asked. "Have a tryout and the best players make the team. He's just boxing out other people from joining the sport because they haven't played the specific style of football?"

Jason took that suggestion one step further to a place that would have TV executives salivating. The ex-Eagle said the current national team needs to play a team composed entirely of NFL stars, and the winning team gets to represent Team USA in Los Angeles.

"I think a coach that is familiar with flag football should select an NFL-represented team," Jason Kelce said. "That team should just play this flag football team that's been playing for a long time and feels like they are the best at it and don't need other guys. Then whoever wins (goes to the Olympics)."....:gagnam:

According to Jason Kelce, the national team should represent Team USA if they really are the best players in the country, but he isn't sure that's the case.

"If these guys are the best, they should represent Team USA," Jason added. "I don't know anything about flag football, but I feel very confident they aren't the best."

Fortunately, everyone involved has some time to sort this out. The 2028 Olympics are still three years away, but networks might already be putting together bids for this potential flag football showdown.
 
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