At a Glance
- Two marquee flag football games headline Super Bowl week in San Francisco next month
- NFL Pro Bowl flag game on Feb. 3 followed by USA vs. Mexico exhibition on Feb. 5
- Flag football makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games
- Why it matters: Fans get an early look at potential Olympic rosters as NFL players gain eligibility to compete for gold
San Francisco will host a flag football doubleheader during Super Bowl week, offering a preview of the sport’s Olympic future. The NFL’s shift to flag football for its Pro Bowl festivities sets the stage for an unprecedented showcase.
Pro Bowl Moves to Super Bowl Week
The NFL relocated its Pro Bowl events to Super Bowl week this season. The league’s all-star game transformed into a flag football competition three years ago. This year’s Pro Bowl flag game featuring NFL stars takes place on February 3.
The sport earned Olympic status in October 2023. The 2028 Los Angeles Games will mark flag football’s debut on the world’s biggest athletic stage.
USA vs. Mexico Showdown
Two days after the Pro Bowl, Team USA battles rival Mexico in an exhibition match on February 5. The game will be streamed live on the NFL’s YouTube channel.
The matchup carries extra significance. A gold-medal contest between the nations at last September’s IFAF Americas Continental Championship in Panama was canceled due to severe weather.
Players approach this exhibition with championship intensity.
“This matchup is overdue. Our guys want it, and I’m sure Team Mexico does, too,” said quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette III. “We plan to approach this exhibition with the same preparation and intensity as a regular game.”
Mexico’s team shares the competitive fire.
“This opportunity that both teams are going to have is incredible,” said Ramón Alonso Gaxiola, Mexico’s defensive back and captain. “Playing a final is something we have always dreamed of.”
Olympic Roster Possibilities
The 2028 Olympic teams could feature a blend of current NFL players and flag football specialists. USA Football, the national governing body, will select and train both men’s and women’s squads.
NFL owners approved a resolution Tuesday allowing league players to compete in the Olympics.
“The opportunity to have NFL players join our elite talent pathway leading up to the LA28 Olympics is exciting for athletes and fans alike,” said Scott Hallenbeck, USA Football CEO.
The exhibition takes place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, home to the Super Bowl Experience fan fest. Toyota presents the game.
Growing the Game
Flag football participation continues surging globally. The Olympic announcement accelerated momentum for a sport already gaining popularity.
“The Olympic announcement in 2023 was rocket fuel for a sport that was already surging in popularity,” Hallenbeck said. “With the league’s leadership and support through opportunities like this exhibition, we’ll ignite even more passion, participation and fandom.”
USA Football maintains one objective for Los Angeles.
“We have one goal for the Olympics, and that’s to win the men’s and women’s gold medals,” Hallenbeck stated.
Key Takeaways
- Super Bowl week features two major flag football events in San Francisco
- NFL Pro Bowl flag game precedes USA-Mexico exhibition by two days
- Current NFL players now eligible for 2028 Olympic competition
- The February 5 stream offers fans an early look at potential Olympic talent
- Flag football’s Olympic debut could feature NFL stars alongside specialized players
