Assembling the 2028 Olympic Roster for U.S. Flag Football

With the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, NFL players are gearing up for a new challenge: flag football. The recent unanimous approval by team owners has paved the way for NFL stars to participate in this exciting 5-on-5 game. Here's a look at the potential U.S. men's flag football team, blending NFL talent and college football stars.

Key Positions and Players

Quarterback: Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

• Skills: Accuracy, arm strength, mobility
• Why He Fits: At 27, Daniels brings high-level throwing traits and movement skills perfect for flag football. His ability to escape the blitz and extend plays within seven seconds is crucial.
• Alternates: Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow

Running Back: Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

• Skills: Elusiveness, short-area speed, receiving skills
• Why He Fits: Gibbs' versatility makes him an X factor. His ability to dart past defenders and contribute in the pass game is invaluable.
• Alternate: Bijan Robinson

Wide Receiver: Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

• Skills: Route running, coverage manipulation, play speed
• Why He Fits: Jefferson's ability to isolate as a one-on-one perimeter target and run all levels of the route tree makes him a tough matchup.
• Alternate: CeeDee Lamb

Wide Receiver: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Buckeyes

• Skills: Matchup ability, vertical element, catch radius
• Why He Fits: Smith's deep-ball capability and catch radius make him a priority target, especially on 50-50 fade balls.
• Alternate: Malik Nabers

Center: Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

• Skills: Shotgun snap, catch-and-run traits, open-field speed
• Why He Fits: Chase's ability to make plays after the snap and his electric movement in the open field create instant chaos for opponents.
• Alternate: Garrett Wilson

Rusher: Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

• Skills: Closing speed, lateral quickness, range
• Why He Fits: Parsons' elite closing speed and ability to attack the quarterback make him a dominant force.
• Alternate: Abdul Carter

Defensive Back: Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos

• Skills: Field vision, pattern matching, transition speed
• Why He Fits: Surtain's speed and technique allow him to match up with the world's best pass catchers.
• Alternate: Derek Stingley Jr.

Defensive Back: Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars

• Skills: Field vision, pattern matching, playmaking traits
• Why He Fits: Hunter's playmaking ability on defense and potential offensive contributions make him a versatile asset.
• Alternate: Sauce Gardner

Defensive Back: Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles

• Skills: Field vision, pattern matching, change-of-direction speed
• Why He Fits: DeJean's ability to match inside and his punt return skills translate well to flag football.
• Alternate: Trent McDuffie

Safety: Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Skills: Coverage ability, second-level range, blitz ability
• Why He Fits: Winfield's versatility and ability to create on-the-ball production are key for Team USA.
• Alternate: Xavier McKinney

One Play to Dominate: Mesh Wheel (Alert to Post Corner)

Team USA could pick up chunks of yards with this mesh wheel play. Daniels can go through a progression read with Gibbs on the wheel route. If the look isn't there, Daniels can work the crossing routes inside from Jefferson or Smith. The goal is to pick/rub the defenders, creating an open catch-and-run target. Chase would run the vertical clear as an 'alert' for Daniels, who can take the matchup on a deep double move.

For more on flag football, tune in to the NFL FLAG Championships from July 18 to July 20 on ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and Disney+.