NFL Stars Struggle in Flag Football Showcase, Payton Doubts Their Olympic Chances

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton believes NFL players will have a hard time making the 2026 USA flag football Olympic team.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a flag football game, with sharp planes of red, blue, and yellow overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-perspective scene.The unique challenges of transitioning from traditional football to the Olympic flag format are exposed in a cubist deconstruction of the sport.Los Angeles Today

After coaching in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton expressed doubts that any NFL players will make the Team USA flag football roster for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Payton's team, which featured legendary quarterback Tom Brady, lost both its round-robin games and failed to make the championship match. However, veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. impressed enough that the Team USA coach said he could see Beckham earning a spot on the roster.

Why it matters

The Fanatics Flag Football Classic provided an opportunity for NFL stars to showcase their skills in the Olympic sport of flag football, which will debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Payton's comments suggest that the transition from traditional tackle football to the faster-paced, more strategic flag version may be more challenging than expected for professional players.

The details

In the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, two teams made up of NFL stars and celebrities competed against Team USA's flag football squad in a round-robin tournament. Payton's Founders team, which included Tom Brady, lost both of its games and failed to reach the championship match. While Odell Beckham Jr. impressed the Team USA coach, Payton believes it will be difficult for NFL players to excel at the Olympic level of flag football.

  • The Fanatics Flag Football Classic took place earlier this month.
  • The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will feature flag football as a new event.

The players

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos, who coached one of the teams in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.

Tom Brady

The legendary NFL quarterback who played on Payton's Founders team in the flag football showcase.

Odell Beckham Jr.

The veteran NFL wide receiver who impressed the Team USA flag football coach enough to be considered for the 2028 Olympic roster.

Jorge Cascudo

The head coach of the Team USA flag football squad.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'd be surprised if any NFL players make the Team USA flag football roster for the 2028 Olympics.”

— Sean Payton, Denver Broncos Head Coach

“I could see Odell Beckham Jr. earning a spot on the Team USA flag football roster for the 2028 Olympics.”

— Jorge Cascudo, Team USA Flag Football Coach

What’s next

The Team USA flag football coaching staff will continue to evaluate potential players, including NFL stars, as they prepare for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

The Fanatics Flag Football Classic highlighted the challenges NFL players may face in transitioning to the Olympic sport of flag football, with Payton's doubts about their chances of making the Team USA roster. However, the performance of Odell Beckham Jr. suggests that some professional players may be able to adapt and compete at the highest level.