10 Oregon Ducks who'd be instant stars in Olympic Flag Football
We've known for a while that flag football was coming to the Olympics in 2028 for the Los Angeles Games, but on Tuesday, it was officially approved to allow current NFL players to participate in the games as well. This means that the top football players in the world, from Justin Jefferson and Christian McCaffrey to Tyreek Hill and Patrick Surtain, can all compete for a gold medal in a couple of years.
This got us thinking about which Oregon Ducks could be in the mix. There are dozens of former Ducks on NFL rosters after the 2025 NFL draft, and by the time 2028 is here, that number should only grow. So, will any of them be in the mix? What about former Ducks who are no longer in the NFL?
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It's a fun thought experiment to go through, so let's break it all down. Here are the 10 current or former Oregon Ducks who we believe would excel on the Olympic stage in flag football.
De'Anthony Thomas
EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 1: De'Anthony Thomas #6 of the Oregon Ducks rushes against the Arkansas State Red Wolves on September 1, 2012 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 57-34. (Photo by)
This feels like the most straightforward answer on the board. While DAT may be small, it doesn't matter much when nobody can touch you. In his years at Oregon, Thomas revolutionized the offense. He became one of the biggest highlight-makers in the nation, and his legacy lives on to this day, with videos of him juking defenders out of their shoes circulating every year. While his NFL career didn't pan out, you can't convince me that De'Anthony, in his prime, would not be a dominant force on the Olympic flag football team.
Devon Allen
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Devon Allen #5 of the Oregon Ducks runs after his catch against the UCLA Bruins during the third quarter at Rose Bowl on October 11, 2014 in Pasadena, California. The Ducks won 42-30. (Photo by)
Devon Allen is often in the mix to participate in the Olympics on the track, but I think he could also make a run at things — no pun intended — on the gridiron. With his elite speed out wide, Allen could separate from defenders and act as the home-run threat needed to get over the top.
Christian Gonzalez
Nov 12, 2022; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Jalen McMillan (11) catches a pass for a first down against Oregon Ducks defensive back Christian Gonzalez (0) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
This list doesn't just feature offensive players. When playing defense in the Olympics, you'll need some elite cornerbacks who can be put on an island and cover some twitchy athletes. Christian Gonzalez is widely regarded as one of the most talented cornerbacks in the NFL right now, and he is someone who I could legitimately see being in the mix in 2028.
Tez Johnson
Sep 14, 2024; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) warms up during pregame against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Much like De'Anthony Thomas, if you want to talk about people who can make a defender miss in open space, there are few better in the world than Tez Johnson. While his measurables and size caused him to drop in the 2025 NFL draft, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who believes he is not an elite playmaker with the ball in his hands. His skill set would also be perfect for flag football, where he doesn't have to be physical or sustain hits but can just let his quickness and agility do the talking.
LaMichael James
January 2, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James (21) runs the ball against the defense of Wisconsin Badgers safety Aaron Henry (7) during the second half during the 2012 Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to flag football, the ability to make a defender miss is one of the most valuable assets, and few people were better at this than LaMichael James. With his quick-twitch steps and ability to stick his foot in the ground and get vertical, LaMike was a nightmare for defenders in the open field.
Josh Huff
Nov 23, 2013; Tucson, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver (1) Josh Huff against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Arizona defeated Oregon 42-16. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Huff gets overlooked in the history of Oregon receivers, but that shouldn't be the case, as he had a remarkable ability to get upfield and make catches in traffic. While one of his best skills was surviving contact and keeping plays alive, something that isn't as important in flag football, I think that Huff would prove valuable at the Olympics in his prime with his ability to get open and make the tough catches.
Marcus Mariota
Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scores on a 23-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against the Florida State Seminoles in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Oregoon defeated Florida State 59-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Many NFL quarterbacks have the arm talent to be elite in flag football, but if you want the mobility required to escape the pocket, throw on the run, and pick up yards downfield, then Marcus Mariota, in his prime, might be the answer. As the Heisman Trophy winner in 2014, Mariota displayed an incredible ability to get out of the pocket and use his feet while also delivering strikes downfield. Man, wouldn't it be fun to see him do that again?
Jevon Holland
Neither Oregon State's Trevon Bradford (8) nor Oregon's Jevon Holland (8) come up with a catch in the Oregon vs. Oregon State Civil war football game at Oregon State University in Corvallis on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. Civilwar Ar 25
Again on the defensive side of the ball, elite safety play is needed in flag football, with a coverage safety who can be rangy and dynamic at the catch point. Jevon Holland fits the billing there. Holland got paid this offseason in free agency and is one of the more successful Pro Ducks in the NFL. He would be a fun addition to the Olympic team.
Bucky Irving
Jan. 1, 2024; Glendale, Arizona; Oregon Ducks running back Bucky Irving (0) hurdles over Liberty Flames defensive back Brandon Bishop (6) during the second half in the 2024 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
While the running back position isn't quite as important in flag football, having a shifty back who can catch passes out of the backfield is very valuable. Bucky Irving has proven that he can do that as well as anyone, using elite jump-cuts and short-area agility to make guys miss in the open field.
Kenyon Sadiq
Oregon Ducks Spring Game 2025
Let's close it out with a current Duck. Would anyone be surprised if Kenyon Sadiq is actually in the running for a spot on the Olympic team by the time 2028 rolls around? He is one of the most athletic tight ends in the nation and is expected to have a career year in 2025 as one of the top options on Oregon's offense. We've seen his catching ability, and his knack for hurdling defenders has left jaws on the floor. With a big frame, Sadiq still has the agility and athleticism necessary to thrive in a flag football environment where he can make defenders miss and be a big-time weapon over the middle.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Football: 10 Ducks who would dominate Olympic Flag Football
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