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Report: NFL expected to allow players to compete in Olympic flag football

Perry Knotts / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The NFL is expected to allow players to compete in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The proposal needs at least 24 of 32 owners to vote in favor for it to pass at Tuesday's league meetings, but a source told Schefter that the vote "should be easy."

If the resolution passes, the league will then be able to negotiate with the NFL Players Association as well as Olympic officials and national sports governing bodies on the specifics of players competing at the 2028 Summer Games.

Star players like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill have been outspoken in the past about their desire to represent the United States in flag football.

It'll be the first time ever that the sport is an Olympic event.

As currently constructed, the proposal states that only one player per NFL team can compete for each country, with the exception of designated international players.

The proposed resolution also covers injury protections, including the purchase of leaguewide insurance policies and a salary-cap credit for any player who's injured during the event. The NFL will require Olympic flag football teams to meet minimum standards for medical staffs and field surfaces.

The L.A. Olympics are scheduled to take place July 14-30, 2028. That's roughly the time of year NFL teams begin training camp ahead of the upcoming season.

The proposal states that the flag football schedule must not "unreasonably conflict with an NFL player's league and club commitments."

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