NFL Players Who Should Consider Olympic Flag Football After Retiring

There’s a decent chance that Team USA’s 10-man flag football roster at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics consists of active NFL players, following approval from league owners this week. 

That being said, the NFL still needs to negotiate with the NFLPA, the IOC and national governing bodies on how and to what extent pro football players will participate, and it’s even possible it never comes together in time.

If so, retired NFLers could absolutely sign up and likely still easily take home gold in what is sure to be a lopsided competition. 

With that in mind, let’s look at a dozen (we’ve left room for two subs) recently or likely soon-to-be retired NFL players we’d love to see on the field in L.A. in three years’ time. 

Ages in parenthesis as of July 14, 2028

Quarterbacks (2)

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Russell Wilson (39)

There’s a chance Wilson is still kicking in the NFL in three years, but his decline has been pronounced the last few years and he’s now on his third roster in a three-season span. I’d imagine he’ll have hung ‘em up by ‘28, in which case one of the most creative and talented improvisers in league history would make a tremendous flag football signal-caller on the right side of 40. 

And if Wilson hasn’t retired yet, we’ll hedge here with a 40-year-old Matthew Stafford (who also doesn’t appear to be on track to play more than two or three more seasons). 

Tom Brady (50) 

Yeah, 50 is pushing it in any sport, but Brady has famously taken great care of himself and was an effective NFL starter just a couple years ago. In this case, he’s only a sub who could work as a tremendous ambassador, and it would be fun to see him step in for a game or two. 

Again, not a lot will be in doubt in some if not all of these matches, anyway.

Running Back (1)

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Raheem Mostert (36)

Flat-out speed is key, and Mostert has continued to excel as a burner back well into his 30s. That said, he’s been around for 10 years and he’s become more of a peripheral player of late. 

A younger speed-oriented back could retire in the next three years as well, as you never know with this position. That said, early retirements are often linked to injuries or significant wear and tear. 

Still, other candidates if Mostert doesn’t walk away or isn’t healthy at that point include an already-retired David Johnson (36 in July 2028) or a fading but extremely quick and versatile Cordarrelle Patterson (37).

Receivers (4)

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Taysom Hill (37)

Versatility is key in a game like this, and Hill has been a factor as a passer, rusher and receiver for significant stretches at the NFL level. His career appears to be winding down, but he was always only gently used, so there should be gas in the tank for an event like this. 

Another option for a role like this is Hill’s exceptional teammate, Alvin Kamara, who would be an obvious pick over both Mostert and Hill but is only 29 right now so we’re not getting ahead of ourselves on his potential retirement. 

Travis Kelce (38)

Considering that Kelce is an absolute legend on and off the field, he’d be a no-brainer in the early stages of retirement if he were to walk away in the next three years. The 10-time Pro Bowler still caught 97 passes for 823 yards in 2024, but retirement rumors have already begun to swirl. 

The only question is if he can stay in decent enough shape until the summer of ‘28. 

Adam Thielen (37)

Here’s your short-to-intermediate possession guy but with more speed than the non-traditional Hill and the tight end Kelce. Thielen is 34 now and coming off an effective five-touchdown campaign, but there’s a good chance he walks away in the next couple of years. 

Marquez Valdes-Scantling (33)

Davante Adams is a thought here if he walks away by then, but he doesn’t give you much speed and so it’s hard to double up with both Adams and Thielen. Besides, Adams is still only 32 and there’s a decent chance he’s still playing. Thielen/Adams might be an either/or. 

Instead, Valdes-Scantling is a burner with the agility to kill it on the flag football field. He’s also clearly in the final stages of his career based on recent trends, but he’s young enough to ramp it up and be a factor in L.A. 

Defenders (5)

AP Photo/Derik Hamilton

Kenny Moore II (32)

With four dudes running routes, you can really only afford one rusher and he ideally needs to have speed and flexibility to drop back. We’re pushing it with the extremely versatile Moore here, just because he might be in for more than three more years. After all, he’s coming off a strong season with three interceptions and 15 starts. 

But if Moore decides to walk away before what would be his 12th year in the league, he could actually be an ideal do-everything fit for this team. 

Marshon Lattimore (32)

Here’s who you put on their fastest guy. He’s got the speed and pedigree, with four Pro Bowls on his resume, and there’s a decent chance he’s drifted away from the league by then. Lattimore hasn’t been much of a factor in recent years but is still just 29. 

Tyrann Mathieu (36)

The Honey Badger is your playmaker. He and Moore could take turns jumping off coverage to rush or troll for picks. His career is winding down, but he’s intercepted seven passes over the last two years. 

Mike Hilton (34)

Just an extremely versatile and well-accomplished slot cover guy who will still likely be capable of locking down on any target at that stage of his life. We’ll see if he decides to walk before ‘28. 

James Bradberry (34)

This is where you’re getting your length for contested balls downfield, and obviously Bradberry has had a strong career. He’s also physical enough to deal with guys inside the box, even if that’s a limited need in flag football. 

If Bradberry is still going at that point, a similar option is Xavien Howard. Both vets turn 35 that summer.