Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars catches the football during the NFL Pro Bowl flag football game at Nicholson Fieldhouse in Orlando, Florida, February 5, 2025. /AP

NFL players in the past three Pro Bowls have had a taste of flag football under the new format for the all-star game.

For a selected few, the Olympics could be next after league owners unanimously approved permission for players to participate in flag football for the 2028 Olympics.

The vote at the spring meetings in Minnesota on Tuesday authorized the league to negotiate safety provisions and scheduling logistics with the NFL Players Association, the sport's international governing body, and the relevant Olympic authorities before it becomes reality during the next Summer Games in Los Angeles. The excitement throughout the league and momentum in global growth of the game have made this a seemingly inevitable advancement.

"I think the world finally has an opportunity to see the greatest athletes in the world participate," league executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said.

The 10-player Olympic rosters will be selected by the national committee for each country, with six teams each in separate tournaments for men and women. Only one player per NFL club would be allowed for each country. The game itself is a 5-on-5 competition on a 50-yard field.

With the 2028 Olympics scheduled from July 14 to 30, the flag football gold medal game could practically be staged before teams report to training camp, a provision that NFL executive vice president of club business and league events Peter O'Reilly indicated has already received informal support. Tryout and training periods for the national teams would also fit in offseason quiet periods for NFL clubs, O'Reilly said.

At least seven athletes have appeared in an NFL game and an Olympics in the same year, including safety Nate Ebner in 2016 (rugby) when he was with the New England Patriots and running back Herschel Walker in 1992 (bobsledding) when he was with the Eagles. The others were in track and field.

"I do believe you'll see the hands go up from those who are not just currently playing but those veterans, those individuals, who have not had the professional career they were looking to have or the professional experience," Vincent said.

Source: CGTN