NFL players see the dream of competing in the Olympic Games closer than ever

NEW YORK- If Tyreek Hill and other players in the NFL want to switch to flag football for a summer so they can compete in the Olympic Gamesthe possibility is increasingly real.

NFL executive Peter O’Reilly said Tuesday that the league will work with the players union to allow current and retired players to participate after flag football was among five sports that were officially added by the International Olympic Committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“It’s the pinnacle of global sports,” O’Reilly said during a league meeting. “In the end the decision of who will be part of Team USA will be up to USA Football and the governing body of the sport and from around the world who have similar roles, well we are thinking about Team USA, but there are other passports in the NFL — 113 players born in other countries they are on the roster of NFL teams in week 5.”

“So the opportunity for athletes to represent their countries, we understand the desire, what they have said publicly and we will continue to work with the players, the union and the clubs in the future to determine the process and work with USA Football and the IFAF” .

Hill, a star receiver for the Miami Dolphins, expressed his interest after making an official announcement on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter, asking his NFL teammates to “bring him home.”

“You know how incredible it would be to put together a super team to compete in the Olympics,” Hill said on his podcast.

The NFL has worked hard to promote flag football and pushed for it to be included in the Olympics.. Last year, the league turned the Pro Bowl into a series of competitions that culminated in AFC and NFC stars playing flag football.

“We are committed to growing flag football around the world,” added O’Reilly. “The Olympic decision accelerates that. We see it as a long-term commitment moving forward. And it’s not just about 2028 and that July, it’s the next four years and how, with the clubs, the IFAF we take advantage of the opportunity to grow the sport.”