USA Football has announced its national flag football teams for the 2025 season, but the future of these rosters—especially the men’s squad—could soon change.
That’s because NFL team owners are currently discussing a proposal at their spring meetings in Minnesota. The proposal would allow players under NFL contracts to compete in flag football at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where the sport will make its Olympic debut.
If at least 24 of the 32 owners vote in favor, the league would begin negotiations with the NFL Players Association, Olympic officials, and national sports organizations to set the terms for player participation.
Scott Hallenbeck, CEO and executive director of USA Football, said in a statement that the organization is excited about the potential decision.
“If participation is approved, we stand ready to provide opportunities for NFL players to be part of Team USA and compete alongside established flag football stars and athletes from other sports,” Hallenbeck said. “Our goal is to win two gold medals for the United States.”
On Monday, USA Football revealed the 12-player rosters for the 2025 men’s and women’s national flag football teams. Both squads will represent the U.S. at major international events this year. The men’s team will compete at the IFAF Americas Continental Championship in Panama this September, while the women’s team will also play at the World Games in Chengdu, China, in August.
Currently, the men’s roster does not include any active NFL players, though it features several former college football athletes.
The NFL has been promoting flag football heavily in recent years. The league aims to grow the sport, boost youth involvement, and create more opportunities for women. The NFL also played a key role in getting flag football approved as an Olympic sport.
Both U.S. national teams are coming off strong performances. Last season, the men’s and women’s squads each won gold at the IFAF World Championships in Lahti, Finland. The men have now won five consecutive world titles, while the women have claimed three straight.
“The depth of talent in our athlete pool is the best it’s ever been,” said Eric Mayes, USA Football’s managing director of high performance and national teams.
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