Minnesota Vikings huge receiver Justin Jefferson is dreaming of successful a gold medal on the 2028 LA Olympics.
Jefferson, extensively thought-about the very best receiver within the NFL, needs to symbolize Workforce USA in Los Angeles in three years’ time following the information of flag soccer’s introduction on the Olympics.
The NFL’s 32 homeowners voted unanimously to permit lively gamers to take part on the planet’s greatest worldwide sporting occasion and Jefferson joined league commissioner Roger Goodell at a press convention to specific his dedication.
“Simply to consider the possibilities of taking part in within the Olympics and getting a gold medal is a dream, simply reverting again to being a child and watching the observe and subject meets, watching basketball win the gold medal,” Jefferson mentioned.
Jefferson’s endorsement might result in a domino impact of America’s finest soccer gamers declaring their curiosity in taking part in on the Olympics.
If a former Offensive Participant of the Yr who has led the league in receptions and receiving yards is raring to play, why wouldn’t anybody else be?
WATCH: Justin Jefferson on taking part in on the 2028 Olympics
“To consider the prospect of taking part in within the Olympics and getting a gold medal, it’s a dream.”@NFLFLAG ambassador Justin Jefferson shares his pleasure for Flag Soccer becoming a member of the 2028 Olympics in LA! @jjettas2 pic.twitter.com/v0gUfZtNRP
— NFL (@NFL) Might 20, 2025
How does flag soccer differ from the standard sport?
Within the conventional sport – also referred to as deal with soccer – gamers put on protecting gear and have interaction in full contact, tackling opponents to the bottom in a high-intensity setting.
Alternatively flag soccer sees gamers put on belts with flags hooked up and with a purpose to cease a play, defenders should take away an opponent’s flag.
It’s a lot safer and focuses on technique and agility somewhat than brute power. Flag soccer will within the Olympics be performed as a 5-on-5 sport in comparison with 11-on-11 as seen within the NFL’s deal with soccer.
In flag soccer, groups rating factors by advancing the ball into the opponent’s finish zone with further factors or subject objectives on provide after a landing – the identical as the standard sport.
Quarterbacks have a restricted period of time to throw the ball earlier than a sack is named and the same old penalties are seen in flag soccer similar to offensive and defensive cross interference, unlawful contact, holding and unlawful use of arms.