Dawgs By Nature
Now that it has been approved by the owners, NFL players could play flag football in the 2028 Summer Games.
While the Cleveland Browns are preparing for a tough schedule, the coaching staff may be navigating uncharted waters in a few years after the league owners voted to allow NFL players to compete in flag football for the Olympics. The measure passed 32-0 in a unanimous vote that took place at league meetings in Minnesota.
It’s anyone’s guess as to how this will play out in the near future, but there should be interest in playing during the inaugural events held in Los Angeles during the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. The rules are much different than the tackle version of the game that has become America’s most popular sport.
The field is shorter at only 50 yards, and the game is played 5 on 5 with no offensive or defensive linemen. The offense gets four plays to advance the ball past midfield, and each roster will have twelve total players.
There are no kickers, and touchdowns are worth the traditional six points. Teams can opt for a one-point conversion from the five-yard line or a two-point conversion from the ten-yard line.
Whether or not NFL players are best suited to play is another question entirely. The sport has gained popularity in recent years, and the athletes who already play professionally may have an advantage.
Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings spoke about the announcement today and called the chance to represent your country on the world stage a “dream.”
There will most likely be a mix of both, as the sport looks to capitalize on the star power of the NFL and college ranks. Players will have to weigh the risk of potential injury along with missing time from training camp and preseason.
The latter will probably be of significant concern for coaches across the NFL as they try to prepare their teams for the season ahead.
With all of this news, it’s fair to wonder what Browns’ players may be called upon or have an interest in playing. The following are players who all have talent that would translate to the flag version of the sport:
CB Greg Newsome
Newsome is the top choice here as he currently serves as the ambassador for the Spring 2025 Girls High School Flag Football season.
CB Denzel Ward
A press-man-cover-corner with elite mirroring skills would fit the bill.
S Grant Delpit
A rangy athlete who can cover but also has the explosion to blitz free after the snap from the required seven yards behind the line of scrimmage.
WR Jerry Jeudy
Every high-powered offense needs a separator who can get open over the middle while possessing the speed to beat the defense deep.
QB Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel
Either could thrive as a precision passer without having to worry about a muddied pocket with 300-pounders all around you.
It’s a fun exercise to consider, but I don’t think teams will see...
