Former Baylor QB Robert Griffin III Eyes 2028 Olympic Flag Football Roster

RG3 announces plans to pursue spot on Team USA's flag football team for 2028 Olympics

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:38pm

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Former Baylor quarterback and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III has announced his plans to pursue a spot on the USA national flag football team for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Griffin, who last played in the NFL in 2020, is one of the highest-profile athletes to publicly commit to competing in the inaugural Olympic flag football competition.

Why it matters

The inclusion of flag football as an Olympic sport in 2028 opens the door for former professional players like Griffin to represent the United States on the global stage. Griffin's announcement signals growing interest in the new Olympic event and could inspire other high-profile athletes to pursue roster spots, further elevating the profile of flag football.

The details

Griffin, who won the Heisman Trophy at Baylor in 2011 and was drafted 2nd overall by Washington in 2012, has transitioned into broadcasting since his last NFL season in 2020. His skill set, which includes mobility, quick decision-making, and experience in open-field play, could translate well to the fast-paced, passing-focused format of flag football. USA Football has continued to grow the sport domestically, and international competition is expected to feature a mix of experienced flag football players and crossover athletes.

  • On March 22, 2026, Griffin announced his plans to pursue a spot on the USA national flag football team for the 2028 Olympics.
  • The 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles will mark the debut of flag football as an Olympic sport.

The players

Robert Griffin III

A former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at Baylor University who was selected 2nd overall in the 2012 NFL Draft and won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He last played in the NFL in 2020 and has since transitioned into broadcasting.

Joe Burrow

The current quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who has also expressed interest in attending the 2028 Olympics to compete in flag football.

USA Football

The national governing body for the sport of football in the United States, which has continued to grow the sport of flag football domestically and is expected to field a mix of experienced flag football players and crossover athletes for the 2028 Olympic competition.

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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

USA Football has not yet finalized its Olympic roster or selection process for the 2028 flag football competition, so the next steps will involve Griffin and other interested athletes participating in training camps and trials to earn a spot on the final team.

The takeaway

Robert Griffin III's announcement to pursue a spot on the USA national flag football team for the 2028 Olympics highlights the growing interest and potential for former professional athletes to compete in the new Olympic event. His participation could inspire other high-profile crossover athletes to get involved, further elevating the profile of flag football on the global stage.