LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes expressed his enthusiasm for representing Team USA in flag football, which will make its debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“I definitely want to, but I’ve seen some of those guys play flag football and they are a bit faster than I am,” Mahomes shared with reporters on Friday during his time in Munich, where the Chiefs are scheduled to face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
“I am aware that there won’t be any linemen blocking for me. By that time, I will be around 31 or 32 years old, so if I am still agile enough, I will make an effort to be out there throwing the football around in LA,” he added.
Humorously, Mahomes jokingly said, “Just don’t inform coach Andy Reid or general manager Brett Veach or anyone else,” as he discussed his desire to participate.
Flag football shares similarities with tackle football, involving passing and receiving, but it requires minimal protective gear. The game is paused when a defender removes a cloth flag from the opponent’s waist.
The National Football League (NFL) supported the addition of flag football, along with cricket, lacrosse, squash, and baseball-softball, to the sports lineup for the 2028 Games.
NFL executives have proclaimed that they will collaborate with the NFL Players Association and all 32 clubs to create opportunities for football stars to compete in the Olympic Games.
The NFL anticipates benefiting from the global exposure that the Olympic stage provides as part of its efforts to broaden its international presence.
The International Federation of American Football, the governing body of flag football, possesses the ultimate authority in selecting the players who will represent their respective countries.
Reporting from Los Angeles, Rory Carroll; Editing by Jamie Freed
