Everything began on the flag football field for Joey Blount. It was where he first watched his parents cheer him from the sidelines and formed childhood friendships over 15 years ago. “The flag football experience was everything with building up the foundation, learning the positions, and throwing the ball around,” said Cardinals safety Blount. “It was the rudimentary way of learning football, in my opinion.”
While these memories stem from his middle school years, they remain vivid as Blount stood before his NFL locker. Following the Spring League Meeting, he couldn’t hide his excitement about the NFL’s decision to allow players to participate in the 2028 Olympics.
“It’s going to be amazing and a showcase of skills,” Blount remarked. “I’m going to be really interested to see how the top athletes in the world in the NFL can now take their skills to a flag football game. It’s not the same rules, but same skillsets, so I’m really excited to see it.”
NFL owners unanimously passed a resolution allowing one player from each team to represent each country at the Olympics. This opens possibilities like pairing Marvin Harrison Jr. with Vikings’ Justin Jefferson for an NFL “Dream Team.” International players can also represent their countries.
Participation in Olympic flag football has been a topic within the Cardinals organization. The Cardinals are noted for being the first NFL team to produce and broadcast a weekly high school girls’ flag football game.
The Olympic format differs from traditional games; it’s five-on-five without linemen on a 50-yard field. Players like Jacoby Brissett, Zaven Collins, Xavier Weaver, and Kyler Murray started with flag football, while McBride and Budda Baker have Pro Bowl experience.
“There are girls playing flag football and there’s a whole new understanding of football in different countries,” Baker stated. He emphasized global exposure as beneficial for growth.
Blount’s collegiate teammate Sean Moore plays on the USA Men’s Flag National Team roster for 2025. Blount sees this as evidence of sport growth: “I have been talking about that with him… There’s definitely going to be some adjustments with physicality and elusiveness.”
Despite elite status, NFL athletes might face challenges against seasoned professional flag players or due to scheduling conflicts with training camps just after Olympics.
Blount remains optimistic: “We’re the best of the best for a reason… I think we can all do it with right practice and right timing.”
