We've known flag football was coming to the 2028 Summer Olympics for nearly two years. Thursday's news that league owners next week will consider a resolution to allow NFL players to participate has raised the stakes, though, and piqued the imagination of this NFL writer.
If passed, no more than one player from each team would be permitted to participate in the 2028 Olympics, plus each team's designated international player on his country's team, opening the door to a world of star-studded possibilities.
With this in mind -- in addition to the framework of 12-player rosters, a 50-yard field and a 5-on-5 format that won't feature offensive or defensive lines -- let's whip up a roster that might only exist in dreams, yet could become reality a few years from now.
OFFENSE
Nobody embodies the electric nature of flag football more than Jackson, who would instantly become the greatest threat to every opponent when defenses choose to blitz and free him to run. With over 6,000 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns, plus 20,059 passing yards and 166 touchdown tosses in his career, Jackson is unquestionably the top choice for the job -- although Jayden Daniels might make a nice second option.
Barkley's historic 2,000-yard season last year returned him to the elite category of running backs and reminded everyone of how explosive he can be with the ball in his hands. What better way to avoid a flag-grabbing defender than by reverse hurdling over him? After a legendary campaign, Barkley is fit for the international stage. Hopefully he'll still have the same juice when he's 31 years old in 2028.
We've seen Jefferson show off his skills during the Pro Bowl Games, and as the top receiver in the NFL with an incredible array of route-running and catching skills, he should be the first choice to dash across the field and score touchdowns with flags strapped around his waist. If the Griddy is still cool in 2028, expect to see that, too.
Am I aiming for a cross-sport tie-in with Metcalf? You bet. Metcalf has plenty of experience competing as a sprinter in high school, and while he didn't do it in college at Mississippi, he gave it a shot against professional track stars in 2021 at the USATF Golden Games, posting a respectable time of 10.37 seconds against elite sprinters. This, plus his demonstrated excellence in the NFL make for a freakish combination of physical gifts that likely won't be matched by any other team in the 2028 Summer Games.
Despite a lack of pads and expected contact, size still matters in flag football. At 6-foot-4, Bowers is already arguably the best tight end in the NFL, so why not give an exceptionally skilled pass-catcher the opportunity to box out defenders and serve as a touchdown-catching tower in the end zone?
OFFENSIVE SUBSTITUTE
Gibbs' explosive nature makes him a three-down threat for the Lions, which translates perfectly to the world of flag football. Dump it off to him and let him glide through traffic, or ask him to run proper routes and make linebackers look foolish. In the end, flag football will give Gibbs the same mismatch opportunities he sees in 11-on-11 ball, and much like he does in the NFL, Gibbs will make plays as a versatile option on the flag field.
DEFENSE
We're not looking for size or raw power here because the players aren't crashing into each other in the trenches. Instead, we'll take the defensive tackle with the most remarkable and freakish athletic numbers in recent memory and ask him to chase down quarterbacks or pass catchers, even if he hasn't produced similarly in the NFL.
Warner is a do-everything linebacker with exceptional coverage skills and an innate nose for the ball in 11-on-11 football, so why not place him in the middle of the defense and ask him to do the same? With less structure and a heavier reliance on instincts, Warner should make the transition flawlessly, even at 31 years old.
The 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year earned the award with his blanket coverage skills, which are even more important in flag football. Drape Surtain over the opposition's best pass catcher and watch him erase its top weapon.
Gardner might get a little handsy in coverage at times, but it's hard to argue with the results he posted as a rookie. Sure, I could have selected a player with better top-end speed -- although 4.41 is nothing to scoff at -- but I'm seeking defenders who don't waste steps and instead make a habit of staying in the opposition's hip pocket throughout every play. That clears a spot for Gardner, who might break out a diamond chain or two to wear while playing for good measure. Team USA is going to need someone to bring the swagger, after all.
Yes, I'm playing the big brain game here. Hunter is listed as a corner, but depending on roster rules flexibility, this squad could have him available as a sub on offense at receiver, too. Unlike the physical demands of the pro game, flag could give Hunter the opportunity to play both ways and truly command the action. And if he lives up to expectations, he'll only be entering his prime by the time the Summer Olympics arrive in three years.
DEFENSIVE SUBSTITUTE
Nothing wins quite like speed on the flag field, and few corners have the burst and closing speed like Woolen. While he might not be the most polished cover corner, Woolen will chase down ball-carriers and make a difference in preventing big plays when the only method to stop the opposition is by pulling flags.
