🏅 Building the Dream Team: Best NFL Players for Team USA’s 2028 Olympic Flag Football

The NFL made history. In a unanimous vote at the league’s Spring Meeting in May 2025, NFL owners approved a landmark resolution allowing NFL players to compete in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This decision officially opens the door for some of the biggest stars in American football to represent their countries on the Olympic stage in a sport that’s rapidly gaining global traction

What This Means for Flag Football and the NFL

Flag football will make its Olympic debut at LA28 with both men’s and women’s tournaments, each featuring six teams of 10 players competing in a fast-paced, five-on-five format. Under the new rules, each NFL team can send one player to participate, plus an additional international player if designated by their club. This unique setup aims to blend NFL star power with global talent, creating a truly international showcase

The Dream Team — Who Should Play for Team USA in Olympic Flag Football 2028?

Quarterback

• Josh Allen

  • Elite arm strength and mobility, perfect for quick throws and extending plays in flag football’s fast pace.

• Lamar Jackson

  • Unmatched agility and improvisation skills, a nightmare for defenders in open space.

    
    

Wide Receiver

• Malik Nabers

  • Young, explosive, and excellent at creating separation—ideal for quick routes and yards after catch.

• Ja’Marr Chase

  • One of the NFL’s top receivers, combining speed, reliable hands, and big-play ability. His 2024 stats show dominance with 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns, making him a top offensive weapon.

• Justin Jefferson

  • Elite route runner and highly efficient. Despite slightly fewer yards than Chase, Jefferson’s advanced metrics show he’s arguably the more precise and consistent receiver, perfect for tight Olympic competition.

Running Back

• Jahmyr Gibbs

  • Agile, quick, and a great receiver out of the backfield—ideal for flag football’s space-heavy style.

• Bijan Robinson

  • Powerful and elusive, Robinson adds a dynamic mix of speed and strength to break through defenses.

Center (Utility/Versatile Offensive Weapon)

• Brock Bowers

  • A matchup nightmare who can block, catch, and run routes. His versatility is key in a five-on-five format where players must do it all.

    
    

Defensive Backs

• Patrick Surtain II

  • Lockdown corner with speed and instincts, perfect for flag pulling and coverage.

• Jaycee Horn

  • Physical and fast, able to cover elite receivers and make plays on the ball.

• Trent McDuffie

  • Quick, smart, and reliable in coverage, with the agility to keep up with the fastest offensive players.

• Derwin James

  • Versatile safety who can cover, blitz, and make game-changing plays in space.

Rusher

• Micah Parsons

  • Speed, power, and relentless pursuit make Parsons a perfect rusher in flag football, able to pressure QBs and disrupt plays quickly.

The 2028 Olympics will mark a groundbreaking moment for flag football and the NFL’s global ambitions. With a Dream Team stacked with stars like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Micah Parsons, Team USA will bring a lethal combination of speed, skill, and versatility to the international stage. This isn’t just about winning medals—it’s about showcasing a fresh, fast-paced version of football that could redefine the sport worldwide. As the countdown to LA28 continues, all eyes will be on these athletes to deliver a new kind of football spectacle—no pads, no tackles, just pure athleticism and heart. The future of football is here, and it’s flying fast.