For those unfamiliar with the massive growth of flag football worldwide, the International Olympic Committee’s recent announcement that it is adding the sport to the games in Los Angeles in 2028 was a surprise. For the 20 million Americans who play the sport, the NFL and its players. Not only that, the best players of the NFL are already excited to participate in this high-stakes game of tag.
Micah Parsons, the dynamic edge rusher for the Dallas Cowboys, immediately said he wanted to represent the red, white, and blue. He’s not alone in wanting to enlist.
“Flag football is coming to the Olympics in 2028,” he said after the Olympics announced the sport would be added to the Los Angeles games. “Who should be on the US team? I should be on the US team.”
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Denver Broncos defensive back Patrick Surtain II are also eager to join forces and create a dream team version of the USA Flag Football Team.
Calling all @NFL guys let’s bring one home 😈 https://t.co/JD2LvZzaaz
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) October 9, 2023
Can you even fathom the speed and agility of a flag team of NFL superstars?
Now, let’s take a look at what this dream team from the NFL might look like on the field. First, it’s important to understand — at a high level — the rules and how they differ from tackle football.
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Flag football rules and reasoning for our selections
So, here are the flag football rules for the Olympics in a nutshell. Teams are composed of 12 players, five on the field at any given time without any big guys blocking opponents. The quarterbacks won’t be able to run unless they want to play a game of hot potato. It’s all about speed and excitement. One quarterback, a center who can transform into a receiver (like magic) and three fast hybrids who can play as receivers or running backs.
On the defensive side, we have a pass rusher and a combination of cornerbacks and safeties who need to cover lots of ground. So, speed and being nimble are top priorities. These cats have to burn.
When scouting for our flag football dream team, we’re looking for players with speed, agility and an ability to catch flies with chopsticks. We want players who’re not just good but exceptional and will continue to be when the Los Angeles Games come around. It’s like building a team of superheroes whose mission is to grab flags to save the world.
Get ready because Team USA’s offense is about to bring some heat!
Offense
Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL. But that’s not the only reason for Team USA to select them as their guy. Sure, Mahomes can sling the ball all over the field. But he can move, escape pressure, and create plays that make him perfect for the flag game. There’s no one better for the game of flag football at the position than Mahomes.
Tyreek Hill – Miami Dolphins
Yes, it will be a reunion between two former teammates as Hill played with Mahomes in Kansas City before being shipped to South Beach. Hill’s speed and his twitch are built for the game and he’s already said he wants in. He also brings with him the swagger the international stage would expect from Team USA.
Justin Jefferson – Minnesota Vikings
Jefferson doesn’t have the speed of Hill but he’s one of the game’s most elusive players and his ability to turn his hips allows him to cut on a dime. In the flag game, Jefferson’s ability to accelerate into his routes is perfect for the format. He’s also the epitome of a true athlete and his hands are perhaps the best there is.
Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons
Ok, you’re saying: “What the heck is this guy talking about this rookie as being on a Dream Team?” Stay with me on this. Robinson’s ability to cut, juke and be elusive with the ball makes him someone who fits in with this cast of characters set on Olympic gold.
T.J. Hockenson – Minnesota Vikings
In flag football, tight ends serve as the center. But they also are eligible to catch passes. Hockenson has exploded since his trade from Detroit. He’ll be 33 years old, but his pass-catching ability makes him the perfect fit to protect Mahomes and be an outlet for shorter passes.
Defense
Sauce Gardner – New York Jets
There’s no better cover corner in the NFL and he’s young to book. He’ll be 30 years old when the 2028 Olympics roll into Los Angeles and his coverage skills will also translate well into flag football. He also has the speed and is even better on a smaller field.
Patrick Surtain, Jr. – Denver Broncos
Surtain flies under the radar because of the Broncos’ struggles but he’s one of the best young corners in football. Unlike Gardner, he’s longer and has a larger frame but still fast. He’s not as fast as Gardner or Hill, but he’s perhaps the best technical defensive back we have.
Micah Parsons – Dallas Cowboys
When thinking of rushing the quarterback, Parsons has the quickness and agility to play as well as he does in the NFL in flag. Because the pass rusher must start each snap seven yards from the line of scrimmage in the Olympic game, you need speed at every position and Parsons fits the bill. He has closing speed which would be essential for Team USA to be successful on defense.
Minkah Fitzpatrick – Pittsburgh Steelers
Fitzpatrick will be 38 when Team USA takes the field in Los Angeles, making him the oldest team member, but it won’t matter. Fitzpatrick is still the NFL’s top safety, and his ability to close distance and track in open space would be a huge asset in flag football.
Jessie Bates III – Atlanta Falcons
Like Fitzpatrick, Bates is Top 2 in the NFL and he’s an absolute ballhawk. His skill in tracking the ball would be a massive advantage against international competition.
Reserves
Nick Bosa – San Francisco 49ers
Bosa is one of the quickest and most talented pass rushers in the game today and would strengthen Team USA’s pass rush when Parsons needs a break.
Travis Hunter – University of Colorado
While we’ve kept our selection of the 2028 Team USA to NFL players, we’re making one exception here for Hunter. He’s a two-way star, which is perfect for flag football as he could substitute in at receiver or defensive back.