NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has clarified a growing question about the 2028 Summer Olympics: Who’s actually selecting the United States flag football team? According to Goodell, that responsibility doesn’t lie with the NFL.
“USA Football will select the Olympic team, not the NFL,” Goodell said firmly in a recent press appearance, ending speculation that the league might try to take a lead role in fielding Team USA.
This statement affirms that while NFL players may be allowed to participate in the Olympic tournament, it’s the official governing body for amateur football in the U.S., not the professional league, that will be steering the process.
What role will the NFL play?
Though the NFL will not be managing team selection, its support of the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles has been evident. The league’s recent approval of player participation marks a landmark moment for flag football as it makes its Olympic debut.
USA Football, which has been recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and is responsible for organizing national teams, youth programs, and safety education, will lead roster selection.
The organization has been preparing for the sport’s big stage, and with high-level athletes now in the mix, assembling the squad will become a higher-profile process than ever before.
With the green light from the NFL, players have begun voicing their interest. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill are among the stars who’ve shown enthusiasm.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has even described the opportunity as a “dream” and said that representing Team USA and going for Olympic gold is “something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Flag football’s rising international profile
Flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics represents a major step in expanding the sport’s global footprint.
The format is non-contact and fast-paced, designed to emphasize athleticism and strategy without the physical toll of tackle football. That makes it more accessible for international teams and aligns well with the Olympic movement’s focus on youth and inclusivity.
For the NFL, supporting the sport’s growth globally is part of a broader strategy. While the league won’t control who makes the U.S. roster, their stars’ involvement-and the visibility it brings-could be a game-changer.
Goodell‘s comments underline that while the NFL is a key stakeholder in promoting the sport, it respects USA Football’s role as the authority in this space.
As the countdown to Los Angeles continues, all eyes are on USA Football as it prepares to build a gold-medal contender-possibly with NFL superstars in the mix, but with full control over who earns a spot on the team.
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