Detroit Lions fans should pay close attention to the NFL’s recent decision allowing players to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics, where flag football will make its debut in Los Angeles. While this move adds an exciting new dimension to the games, it also introduces potential concerns for teams like Detroit.
Naturally, the opportunity to win an Olympic medal is appealing to many NFL athletes, and the league likely sees the move as a strategic win for global exposure. Turning down such a unique chance could lead to negative publicity.
For the Lions, this news hits home as two of the team’s brightest stars wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back Jahmyr Gibbs have already expressed interest in joining the Olympic competition. Gibbs even suggested matching up with St. Brown, who hinted at representing Germany with a national flag emoji in his social media post.
Though flag football poses fewer injury risks than traditional football due to its non-contact nature, the high-paced, intense competition still carries potential for injury. While players see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, team executives and fans may view it as an unnecessary risk, especially when it could impact the team’s performance in the 2028 NFL season.
From the team’s perspective, player participation in the Olympics doesn’t benefit the franchise directly, apart from international visibility. As such, some fans and front office members may be uneasy about their top talents participating in a competition that holds no bearing on the team’s championship aspirations.
Ultimately, this is a dilemma many franchises will face as 2028 approaches. For the Lions, the final decision on whether to support or discourage player involvement remains a few seasons away and will likely depend on how the team’s competitive outlook evolves over time.
