Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, has expressed strong interest in representing the United States in flag football when the sport makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. In an interview with Fox News Digital on behalf of his partner Natrol, a sleep-aid brand that recently expanded its partnership with the quarterback, Allen said the opportunity to compete for a gold medal would be a significant honor in his career.
“I’m interested,” Allen said. “I’ve always thought it would be really cool to compete for my country. Now, if I have the skill set, that’s a different story.” He acknowledged that watching flag football on television gave him a new appreciation for the sport’s unique demands, noting that players move differently than in traditional tackle football. “Those guys just kind of move different. Their hips are dipping a foot down and they’re able to evade. I can throw with the best of them. But I’m better at usually running through people than spinning and getting around them,” he added.
Allen’s comments come as flag football rapidly gains momentum as one of the most anticipated additions to the 2028 Olympic program. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently shared his excitement about the tournament during an appearance on ESPN’s “Women’s Sports Now,” revealing that numerous players have already expressed a desire to participate. “I’ve had a lot of players that have said, ‘We want to participate in that,’” Goodell said. “These players are competitors, and they love the big stage. To win a gold medal or any medal is something I think they would all treasure. They talk about it all the time. So, I absolutely believe we’re going to have players in the Olympics.”
The Olympic calendar appears to create a natural window for NFL players to take part, with flag football events scheduled before training camps typically open in late July. The 2028 Summer Olympics are slated to begin in mid-July, allowing active players to compete without significantly disrupting their professional preparations. Goodell expects both active players and possibly recently retired stars to be in the mix when the sport makes its Olympic debut.
In May 2025, a resolution was introduced to NFL team owners that would permit one player from each NFL roster to compete in the 2028 Games. An exemption would be granted for each team’s designated international player representing his home country, ensuring that rosters remain balanced while allowing top talent to participate. This framework aims to address concerns about player availability and team readiness during the preseason period.
Allen, who led the Bills to multiple playoff appearances and won the NFL MVP award for the 2024 season, said earning the chance to compete for gold and play for Team USA would mark a special chapter in his athletic journey. “We will see. I’d be very honored to do it,” he said. His willingness to adapt his playing style from traditional tackle football to the faster, more agile demands of flag football underscores the growing crossover appeal of the Olympic format.
The inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics represents a significant milestone for the sport, which has seen explosive growth at the youth and international levels in recent years. The International Federation of American Football has worked closely with the International Olympic Committee to establish rules and qualification pathways. The NFL has also invested in promoting flag football globally, including through partnerships with national federations and the development of youth leagues.
For Allen, the prospect of representing his country adds a layer of motivation beyond his professional career. “I’ve always thought it would be really cool to compete for my country,” he reiterated. While he acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from tackle to flag football, his enthusiasm reflects a broader sentiment among NFL stars eager to showcase their skills on the world’s biggest sporting stage. As the 2028 Games approach, the conversation around player participation is expected to intensify, with Allen positioning himself as a potential cornerstone of Team USA’s flag football roster.