Latest news with #TeamUSA
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Why the NFL's Olympic flag football plan could be a national embarrassment
Many fans believe the NFL Dream Team concept could dilute the essence of the sport (Image via Getty) As flag football prepares for its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, excitement across the sporting world is undeniable. But amid the buzz, a growing wave of concern is rising among fans and grassroots athletes, especially with the prospect of NFL superstars dominating Team USA's roster. With Olympic gold at stake, fans question whether fame should trump skill While names like Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and even a potential Tom Brady return generate headlines and global attention, many fans believe this "NFL Dream Team" concept could dilute the essence of the sport. Unlike tackle football, flag football is a game of agility, speed, and precision not brute strength or hard hits. It thrives on quick decision-making, efficient flag pulling, and a rhythm that many argue NFL players aren't trained for. For years, flag football athletes have honed their skills outside the spotlight, building a community and culture deeply rooted in strategy and finesse. Fans fear that allowing NFL stars to jump in at the last moment, simply because of their celebrity status, disrespects the journey of those who've carried the sport to this point. On social media and sports forums, supporters of the game are voicing a common concern, the Olympics should be a celebration of the best in each sport, not just the most famous. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Egypt: New Small Electric Car For Seniors. Prices Might Surprise You. Electric Cars | Search Ads Undo They question whether the inclusion of big-name players could come at the cost of seasoned flag football veterans who've worked tirelessly without fanfare. To address the backlash, USA Football has introduced a rule limiting NFL participation to one player per team, in an attempt to balance popularity with merit. Still, the move hasn't fully quelled criticism, with many arguing that even one high-profile inclusion could skew the competitive and cultural balance. Also read: Tom Brady teased into Olympic comeback by Kay Adams – The NFL GOAT eyes 2028 flag football gold As the countdown to LA 2028 continues, one thing is clear, fans want Team USA to shine, but not at the expense of authenticity. Whether the final roster leans on NFL fame or flag football experience will say a lot about how seriously the sport is being taken on the Olympic stage. For now, the jury and the fans are still out.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Helenius Shows Promise In First Season With Rochester
The Buffalo Sabres were fortunate at the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas after trading down three slots with the San Jose Sharks the day before the draft to garner an extra second-round pick. At #11, the Sharks selected London defenseman Sam Dickinson, who had a 91-point season with the OHL Knights, and Minnesota chose blueliner Zeev Buium, who won gold with Team USA at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championships. Both are excellent prospects, but are also left-handed defensemen, which the Sabres have in ample quantity. At #14, the Sabres selected Finnish center Konsta Helenius, who many draft analysts labeled as the most pro-ready forward next to top pick Macklin Celebrini after playing last season in the Finnish SM-Liiga, and for Finland at the Under-18's, World Junior Championships and World Championships. The 19-year-old chose to come and play in the American Hockey League and finished with 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 65 games with Rochester, but stepped up his level of performance in the Calder Cup Playoffs, with six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in eight playoff games. Although it would be unwise to rush Helenius to the NHL, it is encouraging that he was able to adjust to the North American game so quickly. Other Sabres Stories Is Peterka In Prime Position For Big Payday? Sabres Summer Dilemmas - Bowen Byram Sabres Facing An Off-Season Of Change Here is an update on other players selected in 2024: Adam Kleber – D – 42nd overall The Minnesota native in his freshman season with Minnesota-Duluth has five points (2 goals, 3 assists) in 33 games and was part of Team USA's gold medal-winning squad at the WJC in Ottawa. A Konsta Helenius shorty to finish off the night😮💨@AmerksHockey | #LAVvsROC | #CalderCup — American Hockey League (@TheAHL) May 24, 2025 Brodie Ziemer – RW – 71st overall A product of the US National Development Program, Ziemer made his mark at the World Juniors in Ottawa, scoring seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in seven games for the victorious US squad. As a freshman at the University of Minnesota impressed with 12 goals in 38 games, but the 19-year-old winger's NCAA season ended abruptly, as the Golden Gophers lost 5-4 in overtime to UMass at the NCAA regional in Fargo, ND. Luke Osburn – D – 108th overall The 6'1', 183 lb. blueliner is committed to play for the University of Wisconsin next season and is playing his second season for the Youngstown Phantoms. In 55 games, the 18-year-old blueliner had 41 points (10 goals, 31 assists) and was named the USHL's Defenseman of the Year. Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo
Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Patrick Mahomes stuns reporters with Olympics admission
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has indicated that he might not be playing in the 2028 Summer Olympic games in Los Angeles. 2028 is set to be the first time that American football is played at the Olympic Games, with the non-contact flag version of the game taking place at BMO Stadium - home of the Los Angeles FC soccer team. Despite previously showing his interest in playing for Team USA at these Olympics, Mahomes seemed to do an about-face when speaking to reporters. 'I'll probably leave that to the younger guys,' Mahomes said to reporters Thursday. 'I'll be a little older by the time that thing comes around.' Mahomes, currently 30, will likely still be competing at a high level when he turns 33-years-old before the Olympic games. But by doing this, Mahomes could leave a roster spot open for other NFL players with interest in suiting up for Team USA after the league approved their participation. It's likely welcome news for Darrell Doucette, a QB on the USA national flag football team, who has been vocal in saying that NFL players shouldn't be included within the roster It could also help members of the United States national flag football team to make the roster, whose dreams of playing in the Olympics may have taken a massive hit in the wake of the NFL announcement. Darrell Doucette, the starting quarterback on that team, has been vocal in his stance that he and his teammates shouldn't be cast aside in favor of a roster of only NFL talent, according to the Washington Post. Doucette competing for a spot on Team USA against the likes of Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, Jayden Daniels, and others appears to be a mammoth task in the view of Travis and Jason Kelce. Of course, the Chiefs tight end may want to wear the red, white, and blue himself. 'May the best players play. Is this guy afraid of competition?' Travis said on an episode of the New Heights podcast. 'Just have a tryout and the best players make the team. 'He's just boxing out other people from joining the sport because they haven't played this specific style of football?' 'Lets just have these guys play an NFL team that's picked and may the best team win and represent the USA,' Jason added. 'If these guys are the best, they should represent USA. But I don't know anything about flag football, I feel really confident they're not the best.' 'We got some guys that can do some crazy stuff with the ball in their hands man,' Travis continued. ' Watching Darrell's highlights, even his highlights are f***in epic. Lamar would be f***, nobody's catching him. Lamar got stocky. What if we hold like a combine?' It is unclear how the Team USA squad for the Olympics will be chosen. If it is in line with other team sports, the head coach or national organization for the sport will choose the roster, in line with how the basketball and soccer teams get filled out. Other sports like gymnastics and swimming, where there are team events, but athletes also compete individually, are chosen through the Olympic Trials, where a series of qualifying phases occur. Doucette would be 38 for the Los Angeles Olympiad, with rare NFL players having massive success at that age or older, with Tom Brady being the glaring exception.
USA Today
15 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Patrick Mahomes on playing flag football in Olympics: 'Leave that to the younger guys'
Patrick Mahomes on playing flag football in Olympics: 'Leave that to the younger guys' Show Caption Hide Caption Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty excited to play for Pete Carroll Ashton Jeanty is getting ready to start his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders. He hopes he can recreate the magic Pete Carroll had with Marshawn Lynch in Seattle. Fans hoping for Patrick Mahomes to participate in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be disappointed. The Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback has effectively shut the door on the possibility of competing for gold at the Los Angeles Games. 'I'll probably leave that to the younger guys,' Mahomes said to reporters Thursday. 'I'll be a little older by the time that thing comes around.' Mahomes turns 30 years old in September. The Olympic flag football competition is scheduled a few months prior to his 33rd birthday. The nine-year veteran will likely still be in his athletic prime when the 2028 Olympics get underway, but the wear and tear from the annual grind of an NFL season certainly factors into the equation. Mahomes is on board with the NFL's recent decision to allow its players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Olympics. 'It's awesome honestly,' Mahomes said. 'Just to be able to showcase the NFL to the whole world through flag football.' The good news is Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who will turn 29 years old in 2028, seems eager to play at the Olympics. 'Just to think about the chances of playing in an Olympics and getting a gold medal, is a dream,' Jefferson said this month. Nevertheless, we're still three years away from knowing who'll tryout and play on Team USA's flag football team. And current flag football players such as Darrell Doucette III aren't inclined to just give up an opportunity to sport a Team USA uniform, either. So, we'll all just have to wait and see. Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Sean McVay excited about NFL talent in Olympic flag football and calls it a rare chance
Sean McVay excited about NFL talent in Olympic flag football and calls it a rare chance (Image Source: Getty Images) The Olympics will be in Los Angeles in 2028. Flag football will be played for the first time. The Los Angeles Rams head coach, Sean McVay spoke in person with media members on Thursday, 29 May. He said he has come around to the idea of NFL players being on the Olympic team. The event took place at the Los Angeles Rams' training site in Thousand Oaks, California. Sean McVay shared his thoughts during a press meeting. He seemed excited about what the future could bring. Sean McVay says NFL players should get a chance to join Team USA On May 29, 2025, Sean McVay told the media he is a fan of NFL players playing Olympic flag football. I think it would be great if athletes could aspire to represent Team USA in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.' Sean McVay said, 'I think it's great.' He added that 2028 feels far away but players should have the choice. 'If that's something that players say they want to do, then I think it's a really cool experience,' Sean McVay said. He shared that each NFL team may be allowed to send one player. He believes it should be up to the players. Sean McVay said he does not know all the flag football rules but still supports the plan. He also talked about Justin Jefferson, a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. Sean McVay said Justin Jefferson sounded excited about the Olympics. That excitement, he said, shows this is a special chance. In October 2023, flag football was added to the 2028 Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Matthew Stafford says he might not play but is ready to coach At the same event, Matthew Stafford, quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, was asked if he would join the Olympic team. He laughed and said, 'Sure. I mean, nobody's going to want me to, but yeah, sure. It'd be fun. I'll coach.' Mathew Stafford may not be playing in 2028. But he showed interest in helping the team. This raises new questions. Will NFL players follow coaches from flag football? Or will they need help from well-known NFL coaches? Also Read: How Did Sean McVay's Life Get 'Ruined' After Being Hired By The Rams?
