Latest news with #SpringLeagueMeeting
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Should Tom Brady unretire to lead Team USA in flag football at the 2028 Olympics? Fans manifest GOAT's return for one last time
In a decision that could redefine international football, the NFL has given the green light for its players to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics, set to be held in Los Angeles. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Unanimously approved at the Spring League Meeting on May 20, this monumental step opens the door for elite athletes to compete in flag football on a global stage. Yet, amid the excitement, one name continues to overshadow all others—Tom Brady. 2028 Olympics flag football sparks wild fan theories about Tom Brady 's potential NFL comeback The seven-time Super Bowl champion may have stepped away from the gridiron in 2023, but fans are refusing to let go of the dream. With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially including flag football in the 2028 Games, the thought of Brady suiting up one more time—this time under the red, white, and blue—has created a frenzy of speculation online. Social media has lit up with posts envisioning a fantasy Team USA roster, and Brady remains the centerpiece. Though he's now 51 and comfortably settled into life post-retirement, serving as Fox Sports' top NFL analyst and a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, the Olympics offer a unique loophole. Brady's broadcast obligations have distanced him from the NFL sidelines, but this international event could give him a free pass to compete without conflicting professional ties. After all, nothing screams legacy like closing your football career with Olympic gold. "Can't wait to see Patrick Mahomes throw a high ball to Travis Hunter who then proceeds to head tap a Brazilian man," one fan joked on X (formerly Twitter), imagining a star-studded lineup that could include Kansas City's Mahomes and Jacksonville's dynamic wideout Travis Hunter. But it's the mere possibility of Brady leading that squad which elevates the anticipation to a whole new level. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell echoed the significance of the moment, saying, "It's an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport." That sentiment was echoed by Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, who said, "It's an incredible honor... winning an Olympic gold medal has always been a dream of my life." The NFL and NFLPA's collaboration ensures that each team can nominate one player, making the selection process highly competitive. With names like Tyreek Hill, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen in the mix, the Olympic roster is expected to be a who's who of football excellence. But even with that level of talent, all eyes remain fixed on Brady. While no official announcement has come from the quarterback himself, the public's appetite for one final Brady chapter is louder than ever. After throwing for 89,214 yards and 335 touchdowns in a historic career, the only accolade missing from his resume might just be an Olympic medal. The 2028 Olympics, scheduled from July 14 to 30, promise not only a debut for flag football but possibly a curtain call for a man whose name is etched in NFL immortality. Whether Tom Brady answers the call or not, the dream lives on—and the countdown to Los Angeles has officially begun. Also Read:
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
10 Current College Football Stars That Could Make 2028 LA Olympics in Flag Football
At this year's Spring League Meeting, NFL owners passed a resolution by a vote of 32-0 that will allow the league's players to try out for and participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved flag football for inclusion in the 2028 Olympics. While everyone immediately assumed that this meant the NFL's stars would be able to participate, it wasn't always a guarantee due to the injury concerns that come with it. Advertisement This isn't just an NFL issue, either, as the NHL has also not had its players representing their home countries in the Olympics since 2014, albeit the cost of travel and inability to market also played a role. However, similar to the NFL in 2028, the NHL will again have participants in the upcoming winter games in 2026 and 2030. With all the excitement surrounding NFL players participating in the 2028 Olympics, many fans have begun crafting their "Dream Team" online, with names such as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill being popular suggestions. However, there is a little over three years between now and the 2028 Olympics, which means all of the league's current superstars will be three years older than they are. Not the craziest of math calculations needed to reach that conclusion, but that means three more full NFL seasons to play, three more years to deal with possible injuries and there is also the inevitable decline of current stars. While there are certainly players in the league who will be hitting their prime age, such as Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Raiders tight end Brock Bowers or Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, there is a chance that a handful of current college football stars could be at the perfect age once the Olympics roll around. Advertisement With the sport being significantly different from 11-on-11 tackle football, the ideal team will consist of hyper-athletic and elusive playmakers on offense, as well as those who can cover or rush them on defense. The roster will consist of only 10 players in total, as it is a five-on-five format, which means the committee will likely have to include one quarterback, three receivers/running backs, and a center who is immediately eligible as a receiver. Defensively, the team will need pass rushers and defensive backs. Keeping all of this in mind, here are 10 current college football stars who may have a chance to be playing for Gold when 2028 rolls around. Ohio State DB Caleb Downs.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State 2024 Stats: 81 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, 79-yard punt return TD Advertisement After leaving Alabama as a freshman superstar, Caleb Downs picked up right where he left off at Ohio State in 2024. He helped lead the team to a title, and earned first-team All-America honors along the way. He is athletic as they come, as we saw during his 79-yard punt return for a touchdown against Indiana, and can help slow down opposing teams' best playmakers, as PFF credited him with a coverage grade of 85. Alabama WR Ryan Pendleton-Imagn Images Ryan Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama 2024 Stats: 865 receiving yards, 48 catches, 8 TDs, 2 rushing touchdowns At just 17 years old this past season, Ryan Williams looked like a third-year starter for the Alabama Crimson Tide. The freshman All-America selection is about as explosive and elusive as one can get, and may have some defenses wishing they could bring him down by pulling his flag. Even then, they still may not be able to slow down Williams. He seems to have the right amount of shiftiness to make life difficult for opposing defenses. South Carolina Gamecocks edge Dylan Blake-Imagn Images Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina 2024 Stats: 23 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles Advertisement Although Dylan Stewart was a five-star recruit, it feels fair to assume that most around the sport didn't expect him to immediately be one of, if not the best, pass rusher in college football. PFF credited him with a pass rush grade of 91.4, indicating how difficult he is to block. Even with rules in place to allow for quarterbacks to have some time to throw in flag football, with no one blocking Stewart, those additional rules may not do opposing quarterbacks any good. Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State 2024 Stats: 1,315 receiving yards, 76 Catches, 15 TDs Similar to both Stewart and Williams, Jeremiah Smith was a true freshman this past season, but played well beyond his years. One could make an argument that he's the best player in all of college football, and it seems nearly impossible to cover, even when defenses can have safety help. With it being five-on-five, that means there is a corner out there on an island, or another elite receiver like Williams is on an island due to the defense focusing on Smith. He's a big play waiting to happen, with six 50-yard receptions, which led the country. Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Leonard Moore (15).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Leonard Moore, Corner, Notre Dame 2024 Stats: 48 tackles, 2 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles Advertisement Another freshman who instantly made an impact last season, Leonard Moore, was sticky in coverage for the Fighting Irish as they made a deep run in the College Football Playoff and played for a title. PFF gave him a coverage grade of 86.5, and he was chosen as the Freshman Defensive Player of the Year by the Football Writers Association of America. He will have a couple more years to hone his craft, and truly turn into a shutdown corner. Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Boo Carter (23).Caitie McMekin/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images Boo Carter, Defensive Back/Wide Receiver, Tennessee 2024 Stats: 38 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 12 punt returns for 198 yards While there may never be another Travis Hunter, we may see more programs allow players to play both ways for years to come. One notable school that will be taking a crack at possibly fielding the "next Travis Hunter" is the Tennessee Volunteers. Former four-star recruit Boo Carter shined on defense and in the return game for the Vols, but will also be taking snaps at wide receiver next year. In a setting like this, with limited roster space, Carter can provide some versatility and play-making on both sides of the ball. Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (11).Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas 2024 Stats: 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles Advertisement Given the fast-paced nature of flag football games, having pass rushers who can rotate in to rush the quarterback is essential. Similar to Stewart, Simmons was a true freshman who immediately burst onto the scene as one of the best pass rushers in college football, and he has the perfect amount of speed that can make a quarterback's life miserable. Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Eli Stowers (9).© Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Eli Stowers, Tight End, Vanderbilt 2024 Stats: 638 receiving yards, 49 Catches, 5 TDs Stowers comes off as the perfect center for a flag football setting. Right after snapping the ball, tight ends are pass eligible, and the former four-star quarterback has the athleticism to make an impact that the Team USA offense could use. If the team also wants to get creative and somehow use him as a passer, his background at signal caller opens that up as well. Duke Blue Devils cornerback Chandler Rivers (0).Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images Chandler Rivers, Corner, Duke 2024 Stats: 3 interceptions, 9 pass breakups, 54 tackles Advertisement The more defensive backs who can lock down opposing receivers, the better. It also doesn't hurt that a guy like Duke's Chandler Rivers has two pick-sixes to his name during his career. Rivers only allowed 13 catches last season for a completion rate of 31% when throwing his direction. Even if teams did complete a pass on him, they only gained an average of 4.5 yards, so Rivers could completely take out a team's best receiver. Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Arch Manning, Quarterback, Texas 2024 Stats: 939 yards passing, 9 touchdowns to 2 interceptions, 108 yards rushing, 4 rushing touchdowns The most important position in the sport could be played by the biggest name in college football. He has a rocket of an arm, and his athleticism is a game-changer. Quarterbacks can only run past the line of scrimmage after handing the ball off, allowing them to receive a lateral or go out for a pass. Unlike his uncles who were pure pocket passers, Manning carved out a role for himself last season as a wildcat quarterback. He was clocked at over 20 miles per hour on his near-70-yard touchdown run against UTSA, and will only continue to develop as a passer. While it may be premature to tab him as the Olympic quarterback, he is widely viewed as the potential top pick in next year's NFL Draft, so it may not be too outlandish. Related: Arch Manning's Dad Sends Message After Major Personal News on Monday Related: Aaron Murray Questions Arch Manning's Hype as Texas' New Star QB
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL announces yearly award for top O-lineman
NFL announces yearly award for top O-lineman Cardinals tackle Paris Johnson will have his eyes on the new Protector of the Year award. The NFL will have a new yearly player award category in 2025. Per multiple reports, there is an award for offensive linemen. Along with such awards as Most Valuable Player and Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, the NFL will now add Protector of the Year. From "I'm going to give credit to Dion Dawkins from Buffalo," NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said Wednesday from the Spring League Meeting in Minnesota. "He was truly instrumental, him and Andrew Whitworth, of just making sure that we recognize the big fellas. LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O'Hara, Orlando Pace, Will Shields and Andrew Whitworth will be the panel. … They've come up with a criteria on skills, metrics, impact, leadership, durability and strength of the opponent. We'll be tracking that quarterly with this group." With this new award, Cardinals tackle Paris Johnson will surely have his eyes on the award. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
9 New York Giants who could make 2028 U.S. Olympic men's flag football roster
9 New York Giants who could make 2028 U.S. Olympic men's flag football roster On Tuesday, NFL owners passed a resolution, 32-0, at the Spring League Meeting to allow league players to participate in flag football during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. "I think this news represents a great opportunity for the sport, for the NFL," Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters. "It's truly the next step in making NFL football and football a global sport for men and women of all ages and all opportunities across the globe. We think that's the right thing to do, and this is a big step in accomplishing that." The NFL also revealed that they'll begin working with the NFLPA in an effort to permit former and retired players to also try out for the Olympic flag football team. The National Olympic Committee will select rosters of 10 and that begs the question, which New York Giants could potentially make the team? Let's explore that idea. WR Malik Nabers Perhaps the most obvious choice on the Giants' roster, Malik Nabers is an elite athlete and seems perfectly built for a professional flag football team. He's speedy, shifty, strong, and capable of beating defenders for 50-50 balls. His measurables set him aside from most, so don't be surprised if he actually does make the Olympic roster. RB Dante Miller Dante Miller likely doesn't come to mind when considering an Olympic flag football roster but the fact that he goes by the nickname "Turbo" is telling enough. The flag game is built on speed and his blazing fast 4.27 40-yard dash speed thrusts him to the top of most lists. Not everyone on the team has to be an NFL superstar to make sense for the international stage. WR Jalin Hyatt Similar to Miller, Jalin Hyatt is a name that doesn't really leap to the forefront when thinking about Olympic talent. But with 4.40 40-yard dash speed, an open field, and limited defenders, Hyatt could be well-suited for success in that environment. RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. A wide receiver turned running back, Tyrone Tracy Jr. would be a versatile option for any flag football squad. His 4.48 40-yard dash speed also works to his advantage, as does his balance and shiftiness. Cam Skattebo was also considered for this spot since he can run, catch, and throw, but he may be a little too slow for the flag football team. WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton Once again, speed is the name of the game. Bryce Ford-Wheaton runs an impressive 4.38 40-yard dash but that's only the tip of the iceberg. He's incredibly athletic -- one of the most athletic humans on the planet -- and earned an RAS score of 9.96 at the 2023 NFL Combine. He may not be a household name but he's built for Olympic flag football. QB Tommy DeVito Why Tommy DeVito? Why not? There's just something about Tommy Cutlets that screams "Olympic flag football" even if the measurables don't. Forget athletic testing and forget what he's done at the NFL level -- DeVito just seems built for this sort of environment and would likely have a Tim Tebow-ish feel. He just feels like a guy who would bring home the gold. LB Abdul Carter Defenders matter, too. Abdul Carter is a freak athlete and would excel as a pass rusher in one-on-one situations. His presence would create havoc for opposing offenses and take pressure off of his defense. He's very similar to Micah Parsons and a bit younger, so you have to wonder if, like Malik Nabers, he actually finds his way onto the 2028 roster. TE Theo Johnson Freak athletes will always have the upper hand when trying out for a flag football team. Theo Johnson fits that bill and his RAS score of 9.99 at the 2024 NFL Combine was the second-best among tight ends since 1987. A slight slip-up during the three-cone drill kept him from a perfect 10.00 and the highest score of the RAS era. Don't think for a second Johnson isn't a realistic Olympic option. CB Deonte Banks Because of his sophomore slump, many have forgotten how well Deonte Banks tested at the 2024 NFL Combine. Like Johnson, he earned an RAS score of 9.99 and only failed to score a 10.00 because of his height (he also didn't do agility testing). He also sports 4.35 40-yard dash speed and possesses solid hands. He could play both offense and defense.
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Packers submit an amended Tush Push proposal that impacts Green Bay more than Philadelphia
Packers submit an amended Tush Push proposal that impacts Green Bay more than Philadelphia The Packers submit a revised proposal to ban the tush push play ahead of the Spring League Meeting that'll impact Green Bay more than Philadelphia The Packers have taken their pettiness to a whole new level, and this latest decision could impact the Green Bay offense and every other team in the NFL. NFL owners will again meet on Tuesday and Wednesday to vote on the Tush Push proposal. They expect to have enough votes this time. Green Bay continues to push the narrative, and according to Adam Schefter, submitted an amended proposal that'll impact them more than the Eagles. The Eagles have come under fire for utilize a standard quarterback sneak that incorporates lining up two players behind Jalen Hurts, who receives the snap, uses his powerful legs (600-pound squat), with the push of his two fellow Eagles from behind, attempts to gain the necessary yardage for a fresh set of downs or a touchdown. The play has been so incredibly effective for the Eagles that Hurts finished in a tie for the fifth-most rushing touchdowns (14) in 2024, and he's halfway to 100 (55 rushing scores) after just four whole years as a starter. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, 16 of the 24 necessary teams needed to pass voted to ban the play, and rather than complete the vote, the league pushed it back. Green Bay's proposal to prohibit the play has focused on two main reasons: Player safety and the pace of play. ESPN reports no injury data to support the ban, rather a hypothetical conversation centered on potential injuries. The Packers' amended proposal will now penalize Green Bay and other teams when they help push or pull their own players in the end zone or ahead for a first down. Now, another vote will happen.
