As many know, the sport of flag football will be a part of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California. This has been known for two years, but on Tuesday, May 20, NFL owners voted at their Spring League Meeting to allow NFL players to compete in flag football during the 2028 Olympics.

The only downside is that only one player from each team will be able to participate in the 2028 Olympics. Additionally, each team’s designated international player will play for their country of origin, meaning some teams could have several stars unable to compete.

With all of this in mind, plus the addition of ten-player-only rosters, a 50-yard field, and a five-on-five format that won’t feature either offensive or defensive lines, let’s imagine a team that, while it may only exist in fans’ dreams, could become a reality in a few years.

Which NFL Players Would Make the Best Flag Football Team for the 2028 Olympics?

Offense:

Quarterback: Lamar Jackson
Nobody embodies the electric nature of flag football more than Jackson, who would instantly become the greatest threat to any opponent when defenses choose to blitz, giving him the freedom to run. With over 6,000 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns, along with 20,059 passing yards and 166 touchdown passes in his career, Jackson is unquestionably the top choice for the job. Jayden Daniels could also be a strong second option.

Running Back: Saquon Barkley
Barkley’s historic 2,000-yard season last year reminded everyone of how explosive he can be with the ball in his hands. What better way to avoid a flag-grabbing defender than by hurdling over them? After a legendary campaign with the Giants, Barkley is fit to compete on an international stage like the Olympics. Hopefully, he’ll still have the same energy at 31 years old in 2028.

Wide Receiver: Justin Jefferson
We’ve seen Justin Jefferson show off his skills during the Pro Bowl Games. As the top receiver in the NFL, with incredible route-running and catching abilities, Jefferson should be the first choice to dash across the field and score touchdowns with flags strapped to his waist in 2028.

Wide Receiver: DK Metcalf
Could there be a cross-sport tie-in for Metcalf? Absolutely. Metcalf has plenty of experience competing as a sprinter, especially in high school. While he didn’t pursue it in college at Mississippi, he competed in 2021 against professional track stars at the USATF Golden Games, posting a time of 10.37 seconds. This, combined with his NFL excellence, makes for a talent pool that would be unmatched in the 2028 Summer Games.

Tight End: Brock Bowers
Despite the lack of pads and contact, size still matters in flag football. At 6-foot-4, Bowers is already arguably the best tight end in the NFL. Why not give an exceptionally skilled pass-catcher the opportunity to box out defenders and serve as a towering threat in the end zone?

Defense:

Defensive Tackle: Calijah Kancey
We’re not looking for sheer size or raw power here, as the players aren’t crashing into each other in the trenches like they usually do in the NFL. Instead, we’ll take a defensive tackle with remarkable athleticism. Kancey, with his speed and agility, can easily chase down quarterbacks or pass-catchers.

Middle Linebacker: Fred Warner
Warner is a do-everything type of linebacker with exceptional coverage skills and a quick nose for the ball, traits that will make him exceptional in five-on-five flag football. With less structure and more reliance on instincts, Warner should make the transition easily, even though he will be 31 years old by the time the 2028 Summer Olympics roll around.

Cornerback: Patrick Surtain II
The 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year earned the award with his blanket coverage skills, which are even more important in flag football. Put Surtain over the opposing team’s top pass-catcher, and watch him erase their top weapon with ease.

Cornerback: Sauce Gardner
Gardner might get a little handsy in coverage at times, but it’s hard to argue with his impressive results from his rookie season in 2022. While there are players with better top-end speed, Gardner’s consistency and ability to stay glued to an opponent’s hip make him a perfect fit for flag football. Team USA will definitely need someone to bring swagger, and Gardner is the right player to do that.

Cornerback: Travis Hunter
Though Travis Hunter is considered both a receiver and a cornerback, he would primarily fit into the cornerback position for this team. Based on roster flexibility, Hunter could also be used as a substitute on offense. Flag football’s lack of physical contact would allow Hunter to play both ways, truly commanding the action. By 2028, he’ll be entering his prime and could make a huge impact.

All in all, this team would feature the best combination of NFL talent to compete in the Summer Olympics for flag football in Los Angeles. Only time will tell if this team will be competing for the gold medal in 2028.