Before NFL players chase for a gold medal in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles (LA28), they’ll have an opportunity to celebrate the global event for the next few years and beyond.
Today marks Olympic Day, which is the annual worldwide celebration of the Olympic movement. Olympic Day first originated in 1948 to celebrate sport, health and togetherness.
This year's Olympic Day is also the first since NFL players recently were permitted to participate in the Summer Games in three years.
It also coincides with the official handover of the International Olympic Presidency to Kirsty Coventry. She is the first woman to be elected and 10th president overall. Coventry will succeed the ninth IOC President, Thomas Bach, whose 12-year tenure will officially end after Olympic Day.
In May, NFL owners approved a resolution at the Spring League Meeting that will allow players to try out to participate in flag football during the 2028 Summer Olympics.
"I think this news represents a great opportunity for the sport, for the NFL," Commissioner Roger Goodell said in May. "It's truly the next step in making NFL football and football a global sport for men and women of all ages and all opportunities across the globe. We think that's the right thing to do, and this is a big step in accomplishing that."
Since its inception, Olympic Day has promoted organized sports, cultural, and educational activities for all, regardless of age, gender, social background or ability. This establishes the three pillars for the day: Move, learn and discover.
In 2023, the International Olympic Committee officially added flag football to the Summer Olympics. It was a big step for NFL players' path toward a chance at an Olympic medal. However, it will be a different type of format and rules compared to NFL Sundays.
Flag football will feature 10-player rosters and be played on a 50-yard field in a 5-on-5 format. It won’t feature any offensive or defensive lines.
It is still yet to be determined who will represent Team USA or other countries, but having flag football in the Olympic Games is a monumental step in growing the game of football.
For now, NFL players and the community can celebrate Olympic Day together, as flag football is officially included in the 2028 Olympic Games.