Panthers' Chuba Hubbard Says 'Hell Yeah' About Playing Olympic Flag Football in 2028

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard once had dreams of being an Olympic track and field champion, but those plans changed when he began focusing on football.

However, Hubbard's Olympic dreams are still alive after the NFL voted to allow players to compete in flag football in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and he would welcome the opportunity to represent his home country of Canada at the international level.

"Hell yeah!" Hubbard told ESPN's David Newton when asked if he wants to represent Canada. "I don't know the process or anything, but I plan to still be in this league and thrive in 2028. So, if they want me to become a part of it, it would be an honor."

A native of Edmonton, Hubbard's track and field career began in elementary school and junior high, and he immediately showed that he has a bright future. Per Newton, he set Canadian records in the 100 and 200 meters for the Edmonton Olympic Track and Field Club. When he made it to high school, he represented Canada in the 100 meters at the World Youth Championships and clocked a personal-best 10.55 seconds.

Hubbard initially was a two-sport athlete at Oklahoma State before choosing to pursue a football career. As a redshirt sophomore, he rushed for 2,094 yards and 21 touchdowns on his way to being named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

After starting his NFL career as a backup running back, Hubbard has blossomed into a reliable lead back over the last two years. He recorded career highs of 250 carries, 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. The Panthers rewarded him with a four-year, $33.2 million extension last November.

Hubbard added that he's confident in his ability to help lead Canada to an Olympic gold medal in flag football, highlighting the recent influx of Canadian players in the NFL who will also have a chance to represent the country.

"There's so many guys now … all the guys that I grew up with that made it into the league," Hubbard told Newton. "Even younger guys now that are coming up. I feel like that would lead the charge."