ExtremeRavens Posted Wednesday at 11:00 AM Posted Wednesday at 11:00 AM NFL players in the Olympics? It might be happening. At the spring meetings Tuesday, NFL owners unanimously approved allowing players to participate in flag football for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. While it’s not a done deal yet, the vote authorized the league to negotiate safety provisions and scheduling logistics with the NFL Players Association and relevant international and national team governing bodies. As part of the basic structure that will continue to be negotiated before teams suit up in three years, no more than one player per NFL team would be permitted and Olympic rosters will be selected by the national committee for each country. A quick rules overview: Olympic flag football will be played five-on-five on a 70-by-25-yard field with two 20-minute halves. There are no linemen, and jumping and diving as the ball carrier is illegal. Teams have four downs to reach midfield and four downs to score a touchdown, so there’s no punting or kicking. There are also no run plays allowed within 5 yards of the end zone. Could the Ravens get in on the fun? Here’s a look at some notable players and why they might or might not participate: Lamar Jackson Why he might play: Jackson is a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and one of the game’s most popular players, both on and off the field. The NFL has been steadily increasing its global footprint in recent years with more international games and expanding marketing rights for teams, including the Ravens. What better way to grow the game than having one of its biggest stars be the face of Team USA? Jackson has also been business savvy throughout his career, holding firm in his prolonged negotiations for a five-year, $260 million contract extension in 2023, creating Era 8 Apparel and opening up a restaurant in South Florida. He wasn’t afraid to file a trademark opposition against NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. either. The NFL is already a hugely popular draw domestically, but this would be a chance to reach a lot more fans around the world and land some big-time endorsements. Being the star quarterback for the first flag football competition in Olympics history could also be part of Jackson’s growing legacy. It might not be in the first paragraph of his career resume when it’s all said and done, but it could be a memorable part of his journey. Why he might not: There’s a lot of red tape that could prevent Jackson from taking part in such an endeavor. For starters, there’s the injury risk that comes with any serious competition that takes place outside the normal preparation and performance of a strictly regimented NFL season. When asked about the potential of NFL players in the Olympics during the owners meetings in late March, Ravens coach John Harbaugh was less than thrilled. “I’m afraid I have a quarterback that’d probably be pretty good at it, so no, I’m not that excited about that in all honesty,” he said. “I believe in America. I want gold medals, but [there’s a limit.]” The 2028 Summer Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 14 to July 30, so training camp schedules could be a factor, though players are typically off during that period. Jackson has also missed offseason workouts at times for various reasons throughout his career and still played at a high level, perhaps giving him some leeway to participate. Ravens running back Derrick Henry, shown racing around the edge against the Bengals in 2024, might not have the best playing style for flag football. Still, the bruising running back has enough speed to warrant consideration for the U.S. Olympic team in 2028, if he's interested. (Staff file) Derrick Henry Why he might play: Henry recently signed a two-year extension that will guarantee him $25 million and keep him in Baltimore through the 2027 season. The star running back will turn 34 at the tail end of that campaign, and whether he wants to keep playing at that point will surely be a topic of discussion. Even if he does plan to retire, there’s no doubt he’ll be in top shape. There are few humans on the planet who take care of their body as well as Henry does, Olympic athletes included. Why he might not: Henry’s bruising, downhill style might not be best suited for flag football, which is more about lateral agility. He can’t run someone over the way he does now. Still, there are few 6-foot-2, 247-pound humans who move as fast as he does. Since the NFL’s Next Gen Stats tracking began in 2018, only Tyreek Hill has hit 20 mph more often than Henry. Zay Flowers Why he might play: Nicknamed “Joystick” as a rookie by Jackson for his ability to make defenders miss, Flowers is a natural playmaker with the ball in his hands who could thrive in a wide-open flag football environment. He’ll also be just 27 in the summer of 2028. Why he might not: The same injury risks apply, as Flowers is only 5-9, 175 pounds and coming off a knee sprain that kept him out of the playoffs. Wide receiver is also a competitive spot, with Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and many others ahead in the pecking order if they decide to play. Kyle Hamilton Why he might play: Hamilton is proud of his Korean and Black ethnicity and was born in Greece before his family moved to Atlanta. That cultural diversity could attract him to the Olympics as a way to celebrate his heritage in the United States or perhaps represent a different country. Hamilton tweeted an emoji of the national flag of South Korea soon after the news was announced Tuesday. The star safety’s play on the field speaks for itself. The 2022 first-round draft pick is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and considered one of the most versatile defenders in the league. He’d be a natural fit at any position in flag football. Why he might not: Hamilton is heading into his fourth NFL season, making him eligible for a long-term contract extension. His next deal could put him near the top of the market for all defenders, making the injury risk that much harder to stomach. Ravens rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins, shown intercepting a pass against the Browns, is one of the fastest cornerbacks in the NFL. His athleticism could lead to success as a flag football player. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Nate Wiggins Why he might play: Speed is the name of the game, and Wiggins has plenty of it. He ran a blistering 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL scouting combine before being selected in the first round by the Ravens and showed flashes of being a potential star as a rookie. Why he might not: Defensive back might be one of the toughest positions to crack on the U.S. roster. Even if Wiggins reaches his full potential, there are several big-name players who could beat him out for a spot. Daniel Faalele Why he might play: Faalele played basketball and rugby in Australia before transitioning to football, so although he plays the less glamorous position of offensive line, he’s certainly athletic. His home country could be willing to embrace an NFL player’s stardom. Why he might not: Blocking is not allowed in flag football, removing the best part of Faalele’s game. There is a center position, but unlike in tackle football, he becomes a receiver after snapping the ball. It would be a real thrill to see the 6-8, 380-pound Faalele catching passes and motoring down the field, but he’d have to prove he can do it consistently. Odafe Oweh Why he might play: Flag football defenses can have a maximum of two blitzers who can rush the quarterback so long as they are 7 yards from the line of scrimmage before the snap. Oweh is one of the fastest edge rushers in the league, recording a 4.36-second 40-yard dash that would have tied the NFL scouting combine record for his position. After being known by his middle name Jayson at Penn State, he started going by Odafe once he reached the NFL to honor his Nigerian heritage. Representing his roots could be his path to the Olympics. Why he might not: Perhaps the only thing that would stop Oweh from playing is the risk of injury or a pre-existing one. He’s only 26 entering his fifth season in the league. David Ojabo Why he might play: Oweh and Ojabo lined up on the same defense at Blair Academy in New Jersey and could do so again for the Nigerian national team. Before coming to the U.S. at age 15, Ojabo was also an elite basketball player in Scotland, so he could have options. Why he might not: After suffering a torn Achilles tendon before being picked in the second round of the 2022 draft and later having surgery to repair a partially torn ACL in 2023, Ojabo has struggled to stay on the field with the Ravens. He’s played just 18 games over three seasons while recording four sacks. He’s only 25, but it’s an open question whether he’ll be in top form in 2028. Tavius Robinson Why he might play: Robinson and former Ravens defensive lineman Brent Urban are both Canadian, giving them a path to make an Olympic roster. Robinson, a 2023 fourth-round pick, has come on strong in recent seasons at outside linebacker and could be a regular contributor by the time the 2028 Games roll around. Why he might not: Team Canada could have a highly competitive tryout process. Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard, Giants safety Jevon Holland, Bills wide receiver Josh Palmer, Bengals running back Chase Brown and Chargers cornerback Benjamin St-Juste are some of the most notable Canadians in the NFL, though Robinson looks like one of the best options on defense. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article Quote
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