Chargers Star Warns NFL Players Against 2028 Olympics Flag Football

Derwin James Jr. says active NFL players should avoid the 2028 LA Olympics flag football competition

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:33pm

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Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. cautioned active NFL players against competing in the flag football event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. James said the flag football players already have more experience and skill in the non-contact format, putting NFL players at risk of injury if they try to join the Olympic team.

Why it matters

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will feature flag football for the first time, opening up a new opportunity for athletes. However, Derwin James Jr.'s comments highlight concerns that active NFL players may not be prepared for the demands of the Olympic flag football competition compared to players who have specialized in the sport for years.

The details

Several NFL players have expressed interest in joining the U.S. flag football team for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. But Derwin James Jr. of the Los Angeles Chargers, who did not play in the recent Fanatics Flag Football Classic due to injury, said the current flag football players are more skilled and experienced. James warned that the movements and joint stress in flag football could put active NFL players at risk of injury if they try to compete in the Olympics.

  • The International Olympic Committee announced in October 2023 that flag football would be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic program.
  • Last weekend, the Fanatics Flag Football Classic event gave some NFL players a taste of the non-contact format.

The players

Derwin James Jr.

A safety for the Los Angeles Chargers who had three interceptions and one forced fumble last season.

International Federation of American Football

The organization that pushed for flag football to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with backing from the National Football League.

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What they’re saying

“I say the next Olympics. Give them boys this one 'cause I feel they're more prepared, they're more skilled. I mean, you seen the formations they was running out there, it was crazy!”

— Derwin James Jr., Los Angeles Chargers Safety

“Give the NFL players, you know, that's kinda retired, already done playing, kind of on the backend, because I feel like a lot of those movements is a lot of risk on your joints, too.”

— Derwin James Jr., Los Angeles Chargers Safety

What’s next

The International Federation of American Football and the National Football League will continue to promote and prepare for flag football's debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The takeaway

Derwin James Jr.'s comments highlight the challenges active NFL players may face in transitioning to the specialized skill set required for Olympic-level flag football. His warnings about injury risk could prompt the NFL and IFAF to focus more on recruiting retired players for the 2028 U.S. flag football team.