Latest news with #flagfootball
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Bears' Kevin Byard sounds off on NFL players playing in Olympics
For the first time in history, NFL players will be allowed to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games for flag football. While much of the conversation will be revolved around the potential risks vs. rewards in the decision to the let NFL players compete in the Olympics, there's been a widespread response around the league, and veterans on the Chicago Bears are also weighing in on the decision. Advertisement Safety Kevin Byard recently stared his thoughts about the ruling. While he understands the allure of playing for his country in the Olympics, he's not necessarily looking to participate. "I think for any athlete to be able to have the opportunity to go and get a gold medal for our country, I think that's an enormous opportunity and it's a blessing," Byard said. "Would I want to play? Probably not, if you asked me probably five some years ago, I probably would be one of the guys in the front of the line. I did hear something about it, I think it'll be during training camp. I don't want to speak too soon, but I just don't know how that would work." Byard believes Bears quarterback Caleb Williams would be a good fit for flag football, but with teams preparing in training camp, he doesn't see how the timing would make sense for anyone who is involved. "I think we got a lot of guys on our team that probably can do it," Byard said. "I'm not sure he's going to want to do it, but I think Caleb would be an excellent flag football team quarterback. Especially with the broken plays and being able to scramble around, do those type of things. I think it is a blessing for sure." Advertisement It's going to be interesting to see how the NFL and their top players come together to decide on how they'll play in the 2028 Olympics. While it would be beneficial for the worldwide reach of the league and sport, it also comes with risk of top players being banged up before the regular season. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' Kevin Byard sounds off on NFL players playing in Olympics
Japan Times
a day ago
- General
- Japan Times
Mahomes says he will not participate in Olympic flag football
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has ruled out playing flag football at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, saying he will leave representing the United States in the sport's Olympic debut to "the younger guys." NFL teams approved a resolution last month allowing their players to compete in flag football at the LA Games. Mahomes, twice the NFL's MVP and a three-time Super Bowl MVP, will be 32 when the 2028 Games begin. Speaking during the offseason organized team activities this week, Mahomes told reporters, "I'll probably leave that to the younger guys. I'll be a little older by the time that comes around." "It's awesome. Honestly, just to be able to showcase the NFL to the whole world through flag football." The NFL has ramped up its promotion of flag football, a non-contact format of football, since the International Olympic Committee approved it for the 2028 program in 2023, with an eye toward drawing more women into an arena long dominated by men. The league itself had long been on board with players competing in the Games, while multiple athletes, including Mahomes, said two years ago they wanted to compete at the Olympics. Six men's teams and six women's teams are set to compete in flag football at the LA Games, with 10 players per team competing in a five-on-five format.
Bloomberg
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
NFL Stars Don't Belong on the Olympics' Flag Football Field
The National Football League has long dreamed of turning America's favorite game into a global one. At the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, it has its best shot. Flag football will be among the featured sports, and last week, the NFL agreed to allow its players to try out for national teams. Some of the league's brightest stars — including quarterback Patrick Mahomes (before walking it back) and wide receiver Justin Jefferson — have expressed interest in participating.
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Mahomes to leave Olympic flag football to 'the younger guys'
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has ruled out playing flag football at the Los Angeles 2028 team owners agreed last week to allow NFL players to participate in flag football's Olympic 29, had previously said he "definitely wants to" play but this week the NFL's two-time Most Valuable Player said he will leave representing the United States to "the younger guys".The three-time Super Bowl winner would turn 33 shortly after the LA Games take place in July during the Chiefs' off-season organised team activities (OTAs), Mahomes said: "I'll probably leave that to the younger guys. I'll be a little older by the time that comes around."It's awesome. Honestly, just to be able to showcase the NFL to the whole world through flag football." Last week's vote opened up the possibility of there being another 'Dream Team', like the US men's basketball team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics were the first to feature NBA players and Team USA's gold-medal winners are still regarded as one of the best teams six qualifying nations for flag football at LA 2028 will feature 10 players per nation may select one player per NFL team so, in theory, Team USA could be made up of 10 NFL players from 10 different teams.
Reuters
2 days ago
- General
- Reuters
Mahomes says he will not participate in LA28 flag football
May 31 (Reuters) - Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has ruled out playing flag football at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, saying he will leave representing the United States in the sport's Olympic debut to "the younger guys." National Football League teams approved a resolution last week allowing their players to compete in flag football at the LA Games. Mahomes, twice NFL Most Valuable Player and three-time Super Bowl MVP, will be 32 when the 2028 Games begin. Speaking during the off-season organized team activities this week, Mahomes told reporters, "I'll probably leave that to the younger guys. I'll be a little older by the time that comes around." "It's awesome. Honestly, just to be able to showcase the NFL to the whole world through flag football." The NFL has ramped up its promotion of flag football, a non-contact format of American football, since the International Olympic Committee approved it for the LA28 program in 2023, with an eye toward drawing more women into an arena long dominated by men. The league itself had long been on board with players competing in the Games, while multiple athletes, including Mahomes, said two years ago they wanted to play the sport at the LA Games. Six men's teams and six women's teams are set to compete in flag football at the LA Games, with 10 players per team competing in a five-on-five format.
