Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the latest NFL star to express interest in participating in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics, telling reporters Friday in Frankfurt, Germany, that he “definitely” wants to play. Here’s what you need to know:
Mahomes, who will be 32 by the time the sport is featured in the Olympics, said he wants to play but understands flag football requires quarterbacks to be highly mobile. “I’ve seen some of those guys play the flag football,” Mahomes said, per the Associated Press. “They’re a little faster than I am. I know there’s not like linemen blocking for you. … So if I can still move around then, I’m going to try to get out there and throw the football around maybe in L.A.”
About his comments, the quarterback jokingly told reporters, “Don’t tell Coach (Andy) Reid or (general manager Brett) Veach.”
The International Olympic Committee officially approved flag football for the 2028 Olympics last month. The five-on-five version of the sport features no offensive or defensive lineman and tackles are made when a defender pulls a flag off the belt of an offensive player.
Would Mahomes be a good fit for the team?
When The Athletic polled flag football experts last month, seeking to find the perfect NFL fits for a potential Olympic flag football team, Mahomes’ name was one of the first to come up at quarterback. That’s not only because he’s the best quarterback in tackle football, but also because his ability to escape pressure within the pocket and ability to throw from many arm angles makes him a perfect fit in the flag game.
