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Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the latest big-name NFL star to express interest in participating in the Olympics.
Flag football was officially approved as a sport at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
On Friday, the reigning league MVP was asked by reporters in Frankfurt last week about his interest in the 2028 games, to which Mahomes responded “definitely” while jokingly saying, “Don’t tell Coach (Andy) Reid or (general manager Brett) Veach.”
Mahomes a Perfect Fit for Flag Football
Last month, The Athletic asked flag football experts what NFL player would be a perfect fit for the sport, and the name Mahomes was first on the list for quarterbacks.
One thing the Kansas City Chiefs QB will not have to worry about should he participate is onrushing defenders, as flag football is a five-on-five game without offensive or defensive linemen.
Mahomes’ ability to escape pressure within the pocket, and ability to throw from many angles, makes him an ideal fit for flag football, according to experts.
“I’ve seen some of those guys play the flag football,” Mahomes said, per the Associated Press. “They’re a little faster than I am. I know there’s not like linemen blocking for you. … So, if I can still move around then, I’m going to try to get out there and throw the football around, maybe in LA.”
Mahomes would be 32 by the time the Olympics come to Los Angeles, so it will be interesting to see if he can stay healthy and play at a high level at that stage of his career.
Former KC receiver Tyreek Hill said last month that he’s on board with assembling a team of superstars for the LA games.
NFL executive Peter O’Reilly said that they’d work with the players’ union on allowing current and former NFL players to participate at the Olympics potentially.
“So, that opportunity for athletes to represent their countries, we understand the desire, what they have spoken out about and what we will continue to do is work with the players, (NFL) Players Association and the clubs in the time ahead to determine the process and then work with USA Football and IFAF on that.”
How could Flag Football grow the sport?
There is an understandable excitement surrounding flag football coming to the Olympics, with NFL players and fans seemingly on board.
Izzell Reese was a defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills from 1998-2004.
He also helped the league organize its flag football game at the previous Pro Bowl.
Reese talked about how much good NFL participation would do to the sport.
“You think about tryouts, the media attention that would get would be amazing,” Reese said.
He cited the 1992 US Olympic Dream Team in basketball and how much that got other countries interested in that sport.
The now retired Tom Brady played flag football as a youth and said recently that the NFL is becoming more like flag football given all the penalties for minimal contact.
“Look at basketball, we have NBA guys, but you have these other teams that are giving Team USA a run for their money,” Reese said. “I think that adds to the intrigue of it.”
Flag football will be one of five sports that will be included in the 2028 Olympics along with cricket, baseball/softball, lacrosse and squash.