Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher Micah Parsons has become the latest NFL star to express interest in representing the United States in flag football at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
As the curtain fell on the Paris Games, Parsons made it clear that he’s already setting his sights on a new goal beyond the gridiron.
Taking to social media on Sunday night, Parsons announced his intention to take a hiatus from football after the 2027 NFL season to dedicate himself to preparing for the Olympic Games. “After 2027, I’m going to take a break from football to prepare for the Olympics!” Parsons shared on X, sparking excitement and curiosity among fans and fellow athletes alike.
The 24-year-old linebacker, known for his explosive speed and playmaking abilities on the field, added, “I need to find a way to get in the Olympics by 2028! What events y’all think I can do?? Need ideas!!” His post was met with a flurry of suggestions from fans, with many urging him to pursue flag football, a sport that has gained traction and was recently added to the Olympic roster.
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While it remains uncertain whether NFL players will be permitted to compete in the Olympics, Parsons’ interest highlights a growing trend among football stars eager to showcase their talents on the global stage.
USA Football recently announced its men’s and women’s rosters for the IFAF Flag Football World Championships, set to begin on August 27 in Finland, but notably, there were no NFL players on the list. The possibility of NFL stars joining the Olympic team remains a tantalizing prospect.
Parsons is not alone in his Olympic ambitions. Other NFL standouts, including Patrick Mahomes, Kyle Juszczyk, and Joe Burrow, have also expressed their desire to participate in the 2028 Olympics. Juszczyk, the San Francisco 49ers’ versatile fullback, recently told Fox News Digital, “I 100% want to play flag football in 2028. And whoever’s in charge of that selection committee, please go watch my 2022 Pro Bowl highlight tape. That is my resume for the Olympics. Hopefully, I can find a way to get in there.”
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow echoed similar sentiments during an interview on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take. “I really want to play for the Olympic flag football team. Like me, Ja’Marr (Chase), Justin (Jefferson)… Me and my friends out there playing football. I think it’d be really cool,” Burrow said, envisioning an all-star lineup of NFL talent competing for Olympic gold.
Even Mahomes, one of the league’s most electrifying players, has expressed enthusiasm about the idea. Speaking at a news conference in November, Mahomes shared, “NFL football, American football, has spread all the way across the world, and with flag football coming to the Olympics, I think it’s really cool. Football is a great game that has given me so much, and I want to make sure everyone gets the same experience that I got growing up.”
Mahomes added, “I definitely want to [compete], but I’ve seen some of those guys play flag football, and they’re a little faster than I am. I know there’s not, like, linemen blocking for you. I’ll be 31, 32 years old, so if I can still move around then, I’m going to try to get out there and throw the football around maybe in LA. Just don’t tell Coach Reid or [general manager Brett] Veach or anybody,” he joked, acknowledging the challenge but leaving the door open for a potential appearance.
The NFL’s growing interest in the Olympics has not gone unnoticed by the league’s leadership. In October, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized the league’s commitment to supporting flag football’s inclusion in the Olympic Games. “We are committed to working together to strengthen flag football’s place in the Olympic movement long-term, and we look forward to continuing this exciting journey with IFAF, the LA28 Organizing Committee, the International Olympic Committee, and USA Football,” Goodell said, highlighting the collaborative effort to bring American football to the world stage.
As the 2028 Olympics approach, the possibility of seeing NFL stars like Micah Parsons, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow competing for gold in flag football is becoming increasingly real.
While much remains to be determined, the excitement and anticipation are already building, promising an unforgettable chapter in the history of both football and the Olympic Games.
