Sean Payton doubts NFL players make 2028 Olympic flag football
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- Sean Payton said he'd be 'surprised' if even one NFL player makes Team USA's 2028 Olympic flag football roster, noting players would need 'a month or two' to acclimate — time that would come at the cost of NFL training.
- Team USA demolished NFL-heavy rosters at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic earlier this month, with Payton — who coached in the tournament alongside John Harbaugh — calling the experience 'humbling' and comparing himself to a burglar from Home Alone.
- Joe Burrow has publicly stated his desire to compete for a gold medal and produced several highlights at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, leaving open the possibility he could bridge the gap.
- Tom Brady, who will be 50 by the 2028 Games, said he is 'unlikely' to represent the United States; he was among 22 current and former NFL players on the Founders FFC and Wildcats FFC rosters.
- Robert Griffin III was one of 24 players invited to Team USA camp and will compete this year for a spot on the 12-man squad headed to the world championship in August.
- The NFL voted last summer to approve player participation in Olympic flag football, clearing the way for the sport's Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Why it matters: The NFL approved Olympic participation last summer, fueling expectations that stars like Joe Burrow would represent the US in LA. Payton's firsthand experience coaching at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic — where Team USA routed NFL-heavy rosters — reveals a steep learning curve that could force players to choose Olympic preparation over NFL offseason training time.
