FLAG FOOTBALL GETS OLYMPIC PRIMETIME TREATMENT
Flag football’s introduction to the Olympic Games has received an added boost following the announcement of the event’s scheduling plan.
The non-contact football variation is one of two ‘new’ sports on the Los Angeles 2028 docket, along with squash, and joins returnees baseball/softball, cricket and lacrosse in bringing something different to the Games’ line-up. With the potential spectacle of the participating nations including NFL stars on their rosters following a unanimously positive vote by team owners in May, the LA28 organising committee has decided to capitalise by scheduling both the men’s and women’s competitions in the first week of the Games, starting less than 24 hour after the opening ceremony.
All flag football games will take place between 15th-22nd July at Exposition Park Stadium, and in the prime afternoon and evening time slots, with the men’s medal games set for the evening of 21st July, and the women’s the following afternoon. The decision to put football in the opening week of the Games should also help encourage NFL participation as it lessens the chance of potential conflict with training camp dates.
The announcement of the Olympic schedule coincided with NFL FLAG launching its latest promotional campaign, which spotlights the rise of the game and focuses on the next generation of players, many of whom could be contending for spots on international rosters at LA28.
With NFL Flag Championships presented by Toyota taking place this weekend, the Chase Something campaign presents a bold and exhilarating look at the athleticism, drive and global appeal of flag football. The promotional video stars Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels alongside Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, while youth flag football standouts also appear. Sophie Guitron, Trishelle Tucay and Mahden Meyers and Isaiah Flores represent the U17 age group, with the video also featuring collegiate and elite level stars Ashlea Klam, Janasia Wilson and Australia’s Kodie Fuller.
“I know how life-changing it is to represent your country on the world’s biggest stage,” Team USA star Chiles admitted, “That opportunity should be accessible to every young athlete, especially girls, who dream big and work hard. Flag football sends such a powerful message that there is a path and I’m proud to be part of a campaign that helps open those doors for the next generation.”
Created in partnership with Zambezi and produced by FIN Studios, Chase Something taps into the ambition and determination of athletes chasing their dreams — whether competing on the field, elevating their game off it or aiming for the chance to play on the world’s biggest stage. The film also highlights the dedication at the heart of flag football, showcasing the drive required to pursue greatness against the backdrop of the game’s rise to global prominence which culminated with its inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games. The 2025 NFL Flag season is now expected to be a watershed moment for the sport, as it continues to evolve and inspire athletes across the world.
“We’re thrilled to see how far flag football has come and, with its Olympic debut in LA28 on the horizon, there’s no better moment to spotlight the sport’s incredible potential and accessibility,” said Marissa Solis, SVP for global brand and consumer marketing at NFL. “Chase Something captures that evolution, celebrating athletes who embody the spirit of flag football while inviting others to be part of the movement and build their own legacy. Flag football participation continues to grow rapidly across youth leagues, girls’ high school and college teams and, now, on a global scale. Our focus remains on creating more pathways for young athletes to play and compete at higher levels.”
One of the NFL’s key priorities is building a clear pathway for girls in flag football by expanding opportunities at every level of the game. At the high school level, 16 states have officially sanctioned girls flag football as a varsity sport, and more than 100 colleges across the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA now offer women’s varsity or club flag football programmes, with some providing scholarship opportunities for players.
Billed as the world’s premiere youth flag football tournament, the NFL Flag Championships presented by Toyota take place this weekend (17-20th July) at ForeverLawn Park at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio. Eight U14 co-ed teams will also travel from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Great Britain, Mexico and Puerto Rico to compete against one another in an international pool at the championships.
Watch the Chase Something video here