logo
NFL LA Games decision is flag football's 'Dream Team' moment: president

NFL LA Games decision is flag football's 'Dream Team' moment: president

France 2421-05-2025

Tuesday's announcement made Trochet's 39th birthday all that more special, coming less than two years since the sport he leads gained the ultimate accolade in being voted onto the sports roster by International Olympic Committee members.
Flag football is an abbreviated, five-a-side form of American football, in which players "tackle" each other by grabbing a flag attached to the waist of opponents.
Six men's teams and six women's teams will take part in the Olympic tournament in 2028, with each squad comprised of 10 players.
The NFL's announcement on Tuesday was "one of those milestones that we had on the playbook", said Trochet.
"All of that was scripted, of course. NFL-style, right? I'll make the joke because it was my birthday," he told AFP at the launch of the European championships which take place in September in France.
Trochet, who is the youngest head of an Olympic sport federation, equated having the NFL players available for LA28 to the NBA superstars' first appearance at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, where the USA 'Dream Team' won gold.
Several NFL players have already expressed an interest, with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Kansas City Chiefs counterpart Patrick Mahomes among those indicating a desire to play in the Games.
"We just keep on scoring every single time. So the recognition, the inclusion (in the Olympics)," Trochet said. "And now it is this Dream Team moment.
"It's a huge milestone. I mean, how many sports can pretend to bring all of that kind of sports super power? NBA, the NFL."
The former offensive lineman said having played for France in gridiron -- at "a humble level" -- he knew how special it was to represent one's country.
'Family pride'
Trochet -— who had spells with the Amiens Spartans in France and the Austrian franchise Danube Dragons -- said singing the national anthem and donning the country's colours sent chills down one's spine.
"I think for every athlete it's something special, being in the Olympics, being with your national team, getting that gold medal," he said.
"Putting yourself in the Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps category, being on this global stage.
"It's a new excitement for them."
The urbane Frenchman, who grew up steeped in American culture in Chateauroux, central France, as it hosted a US airforce base, said the Olympics offered something unique.
"Being a Super Bowl winner is awesome and it's so hard to try to get to the Super Bowl every year, but you might have only one chance in your career to get an Olympic medal," he said.
For Trochet there is no let-up as he seeks to ensure flag football is in the programme for Brisbane in 2032, which he says will be decided before Los Angeles.
"I said at the beginning that LA was not a one and done," he said.
"So whenever this process will start, we're ready and we will put forward a very appealing proposition to stay in the game.
"The NFL thing probably helps. It's one of those things that brings value."
French captain Elisa De Santis still has a full-time job despite winning world and European titles -- and at 36 the lure of Los Angeles offers her one final hurrah.
"It is the Games that give me oxygen," she told AFP.
For the urbane Trochet Los Angeles also offers a personal goal -- taking along his father, who was responsible for him catching the gridiron bug as he was president of the Chateauroux club.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Scheffler seeks back-to-back major wins at formidable Oakmont
Scheffler seeks back-to-back major wins at formidable Oakmont

France 24

time3 hours ago

  • France 24

Scheffler seeks back-to-back major wins at formidable Oakmont

Not since Jordan Spieth captured the 2015 Masters and US Open has anyone swept consecutive major crowns, but two-time Masters champion Scheffler is on a hot streak. The 28-year-old American has won three of his past four starts, including a third major title at May's PGA Championship and defending his Memorial title two weeks ago. This week, however, offers a severe test with thick high rough, tricky bunkers and sloped greens known for lightning-fast speed. "This is probably the hardest golf course that we'll play, maybe ever, and that's pretty much all it is," Scheffler said. "It's just a different type of test." Scheffler arrives after a rest week as the oddsmakers' favorite over world number two Rory McIlroy and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau. "I don't pay attention to the favorite stuff or anything like that," Scheffler said. "Starting Thursday morning we're at even par and it's up to me to go out there and play against the golf course and see what I can do." Fourth-ranked Collin Morikawa, a two-time major winner, expects brutal rough off most every missed fairway. "Overall you have to hit the ball really well. You know you're going to get penalized even on good shots," Morikawa said. "Step number one is to hit it in the fairways. I don't think people understand how thick the rough is. It's not wispy like the club is going to go through. This is just thick. Clubs will turn over. "You're going to see guys trying to hit pitching wedge out and it's going to go 45 degrees left because that's how thick the rough is." The 7,372-yard, par-70 layout offers a vast array of bunkers and a course where many trees were removed to produce an expansive feel. "Extreme challenge," two-time major winner Jon Rahm said. "Even when you just stand on the putting green, seeing the whole property, you know you're somewhere special. It's quite iconic." McIlroy, who won the Masters in April to complete a career Grand Slam, has top-10 US Open finishes each of the past six years. He declared Oakmont "a big brute of a golf course." "You're going to have to have your wits about you this week all the way throughout the bag, off the tee, into the greens, around the greens. It's going to be a great test." Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, a winner last month at LIV Golf Korea, seeks his third US Open after wins in 2020 and 2024. The 31-year-old American is trying to become only the eighth back-to-back US Open winner, the first since compatriot Brooks Koepka in 2017 and 2018. "Everybody knows this is probably the toughest golf course in the world right now, and you have to hit the fairways, you have to hit greens, and you have to two-putt, worst-case scenario," DeChambeau said. "When you've got those putts inside 10 feet, you've got to make them. It's a great test of golf." 'All-around challenge' Phil Mickelson, a six-time major winner who turns 55 on Monday, seeks an elusive title to complete a career Grand Slam after six runner-up US Open finishes, most recently in 2013. "It's pretty much an all-around challenge," said 2013 US Open winner Justin Rose. "You have to put the ball in play off the tee. That's not the biggest challenge. Fairways are somewhat generous, 30-odd yards wide. "That's because it's all about the greens. The real skilled hitters can get it into those greens, not get on the wrong side of those contours."

Champion inks new licensing deal with the NFL
Champion inks new licensing deal with the NFL

Fashion Network

time4 hours ago

  • Fashion Network

Champion inks new licensing deal with the NFL

Athleticwear brand Champion announced on Monday a new licensing deal with the NFL to produce officially licensed apparel. The agreement marks a major milestone for the brand, adding football to its growing roster of league partnerships, which already includes the NHL, MiLB and PLL. Backed by Authentic Brands Group and Ames Watson, the brand is leveraging a strategic partnership that blends global brand-building capabilities with deep retail expertise to unlock new growth in the sportswear category. 'Champion's enduring legacy in sports has always been rooted in the pursuit of excellence,' said Jarrod Weber, president, sports and lifestyle at Authentic. 'Our partnership with Ames Watson allows us to bring this legacy to life in new and exciting ways, seamlessly blending our craftsmanship with the rich traditions of the NFL and NHL. We are excited to offer fans premium apparel that speaks to their passion for the game while staying true to Champion's timeless heritage.' The partnership will debut at Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 this month, where Champion will unveil exclusive, limited-edition NFL and NHL styles. Notably, Champion's festival activation will showcase exclusive, co-branded fan gear. Each league's product assortment will combine Champion's craftsmanship with team colors, logos, and archival influences. Products will become available nationwide in major retailers, both in stores and online later this year, with specific distribution varying by league. 'Champion has been synonymous with sports for over a century, and this partnership is a natural evolution of the brand's commitment to athletes and fans alike,' added Lawrence Berger, cofounder of Ames Watson, the brand's collegiate and sport partner. 'We're thrilled to collaborate with these powerhouse leagues to deliver premium apparel that fuses performance, heritage, and style."

Champion inks new licensing deal with the NFL
Champion inks new licensing deal with the NFL

Fashion Network

time4 hours ago

  • Fashion Network

Champion inks new licensing deal with the NFL

'Champion's enduring legacy in sports has always been rooted in the pursuit of excellence,' said Jarrod Weber, president, sports and lifestyle at Authentic. 'Our partnership with Ames Watson allows us to bring this legacy to life in new and exciting ways, seamlessly blending our craftsmanship with the rich traditions of the NFL and NHL. We are excited to offer fans premium apparel that speaks to their passion for the game while staying true to Champion's timeless heritage.' The partnership will debut at Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 this month, where Champion will unveil exclusive, limited-edition NFL and NHL styles. Notably, Champion's festival activation will showcase exclusive, co-branded fan gear. Each league's product assortment will combine Champion's craftsmanship with team colors, logos, and archival influences. Products will become available nationwide in major retailers, both in stores and online later this year, with specific distribution varying by league. 'Champion has been synonymous with sports for over a century, and this partnership is a natural evolution of the brand's commitment to athletes and fans alike,' added Lawrence Berger, cofounder of Ames Watson, the brand's collegiate and sport partner. 'We're thrilled to collaborate with these powerhouse leagues to deliver premium apparel that fuses performance, heritage, and style."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store