Ex-NFL Star Robert Griffin III Eyes Olympic Gold in Flag Football

Griffin received an invitation to Team USA flag football training as he aims for 2028 Olympics and 2026 world championships.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:20pm

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Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III has his sights set on representing Team USA in flag football at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Griffin, a one-time Pro Bowler, received an invitation to join the national team's training camp as they prepare for the 2026 IFAF World Championships. The team, led by Darrell Doucette III, has been dominant in recent years and Griffin hopes to add to their success on the global stage.

Why it matters

Flag football's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics marks a significant milestone for the sport, which has grown in popularity in recent years. Griffin's high-profile pursuit of an Olympic spot could help raise awareness and interest in the discipline, particularly among younger athletes looking to represent their country on the world's biggest sporting stage.

The details

Griffin will participate in two rounds of training camp with Team USA in April and May, after which a selection committee will trim the roster from 24 to 18 players. The final 12-man squad will then compete in the 2026 IFAF World Championships in Germany before setting their sights on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

  • The first round of Team USA training camp will be held April 16-19.
  • The second round of training camp will be held May 21-24.
  • The 2026 IFAF World Championships will take place August 13-16.

The players

Robert Griffin III

A former NFL quarterback who spent eight seasons in the league, including a Pro Bowl appearance. He is now pursuing a spot on the U.S. national flag football team with the goal of competing in the 2028 Olympics.

Darrell Doucette III

The captain of the U.S. national flag football team, which has won the IFAF World Championships five times in a row under his leadership.

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What they’re saying

“That is the goal, and we've already taken the first step in that process. It's 2026. What we're all fighting for is to be a part of the 12 that goes to Germany and plays in the IFAF 2026 World Championships. Team USA, since (Darrell Doucette III) has joined the team, has not lost a game. I think they're the five-time reigning IFAF world champions. They are doing this at a high level and all I'm trying to do is add to that greatness.”

— Robert Griffin III

“In 2028, I've already put that and said that is the goal. I want to go for gold with Team USA and I'm just going through every single step to make that happen and respecting these guys and respecting the flag football community along the way.”

— Robert Griffin III

What’s next

Following the final training camp in June, a selection committee will choose the 12 players who will represent Team USA at the 2026 IFAF World Championships in Germany.

The takeaway

Robert Griffin III's pursuit of an Olympic flag football spot highlights the growing popularity and legitimacy of the sport, which will make its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. His high-profile involvement could inspire more athletes, especially younger ones, to take up the discipline and vie for a chance to represent their country on the world's biggest sporting stage.