USA FOOTBALL STATEMENT ON THE NFL EXPANDING ITS SUPPORT FOR FLAG FOOTBALL
The following quote can be attributed to Scott Hallenbeck, CEO and Executive Director of USA Football. USA Football is the National Governing Body of American Football in the United States and will select, train and lead Team USA Football® when flag football makes its debut in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles:
“We're grateful for the NFL's continued commitment to flag football as we approach its Olympic debut in 2028 and for the tremendous interest we've seen from players hoping to represent their country in Los Angeles.
“As the sport's National Governing Body, USA Football is responsible for selecting, training and leading the U.S. National Teams for LA28. That process begins by building the strongest talent pipeline possible. The acclimation camps in early 2027 are the first step toward interested NFL players joining our National Team Pathway. These camps provide players with a chance to learn the flag discipline's strategy, rules and nuance as they compete to earn their place alongside the best flag athletes in the world.
“We're fortunate to already have elite flag football athletes who have set a gold standard culture and won six consecutive world championships. Our selection process will draw from a combination of these flag football stars, former and active NFL players and elite talent transfer athletes from other sports.
“We continue to work with the USOPC and NFL on the specifics of this process and look forward to sharing more information in the coming months. We're going to be intentional and do all we can to achieve the ultimate goal of bringing home gold in LA28.”
Background:
Today, the National Football League announced its plans to elevate Pro Bowl presented by Verizon selection as one of the league’s most meaningful individual honors. Within that announcement, the NFL shared that it will also continue to expand its support for flag football as the sport builds toward its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
About USA Football: USA Football is the National Governing Body (NGB) for American Football in the United States and the sole U.S. member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), the international governing body for the sport of American football. USA Football selects, trains and leads Team USA Football® in tackle and flag football disciplines, while delivering world-class football development resources, sport standards and competitive opportunities to empower athletes at every level. USA Football is committed to ensuring every athlete has access to develop and compete in the game through safer, inclusive and innovative pathways. For more information, visit usafootball.com.