Former NFL QB Plans to Compete for Team USA in 2028 Olympics

Robert Griffin III aims to win gold in flag football's Olympic debut

Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III has announced his intention to compete for Team USA in the flag football event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Griffin, who played for the Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens, praised the sport's growth and said he is committed to training for the next two years to be "entrenched" in the world of flag football ahead of the games.

Why it matters

The inclusion of flag football as an Olympic sport for the first time in 2028 is seen as a way to showcase the sport's growing popularity, particularly among former and current NFL players. Griffin's participation will bring additional attention to the event and could inspire more athletes to take up the sport.

The details

The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will feature the debut of several new sports, including flag football. Former NFL stars like Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Odell Beckham Jr. recently participated in a high-profile flag football event in Los Angeles, demonstrating the sport's appeal to professional athletes. Griffin, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2011 and played in the NFL from 2012 to 2020, announced his intention to compete for Team USA in the flag football event, saying he will spend the next two years immersing himself in the sport to be prepared.

  • The 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, California.
  • Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 games.

The players

Robert Griffin III

A former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback who played for the Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens. He has announced his intention to compete for Team USA in the flag football event at the 2028 Olympics.

Tom Brady

A seven-time Super Bowl champion and legendary NFL quarterback who recently participated in a high-profile flag football event in Los Angeles, showcasing his continued skills on the field.

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What they’re saying

“Proud and Honored to announce that I will be going for Gold in Flag Football with the USA National Team in 2028. The journey starts now and there is no greater honor than wearing USA across your chest and representing something more than yourself. USA! USA! USA!”

— Robert Griffin III

What’s next

Griffin will need to spend the next two years immersing himself in the world of flag football to be prepared for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

The inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics is a testament to the sport's growing popularity, particularly among former and current NFL players. Griffin's participation will bring additional attention to the event and could inspire more athletes to take up the sport.