Justin Jefferson, the star wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, recently expressed his aspirations regarding the 2028 Olympics during a news conference at the NFL’s spring meeting in Eagan, Minnesota. Needless to say, Jefferson is excited about the opportunity to now compete in flag football after it was recently introduced into the Olympic program. This opportunity has refueled his childhood dream of winning a gold medal for his country.
As he wrapped up the press conference, Jefferson couldn’t be contained and broke out a special “Olympic Griddy” to punctuate his excitement about the games to come. If all goes according to plan, the 2028 Olympics will bid and happen in Los Angeles. Qualified flag football events could be held during the first week of the games. If so, this timing might just give NFL players like Jefferson the chance to participate, as it would not conflict with their training camp schedules.
Jefferson has been the first to demonstrate some exciting flag football action at the reimagined Pro Bowl Games. Now, he’s still deciding whether to pursue a spot on the Olympic team. The Mayor is particularly fired up about the future prospects. As the event comes closer, he has a lot to ponder as to what will be most effective.
It’s three years down the road, it’s three full seasons that I’m going to have to live through. Of course, you know, aging, body is going to change, but that’s just in general always been a dream. I’ve been competing since forever, I always dreamed of representing my country beating out all the other countries around the world,” Jefferson announced.
During the conference, Peter O’Reilly, NFL’s Executive Vice President of Club Business & League Events, emphasized the importance of aligning the NFL’s schedule with that of the Olympics. He stated, “Ensuring that the timing works within our calendar was really important.” O’Reilly added that any discussions related to the Olympics in 2027 would primarily serve as an acclimation period during the NFL’s dead periods.
The introduction of flag football into the Olympic arena presents new opportunities for athletes with international backgrounds to represent their countries. Jefferson accepted this reality, but went on to express plenty of optimism at how exhilarating it is to watch football receive a global promotion. “That’s something that as a kid I always wanted to be a part of, but football wasn’t global. So now that we’re opening the game and we’re going more international, it’s been really exciting,” he said.
As Jefferson reflects on his childhood memories of watching track and field events and basketball teams win gold medals, he feels a sense of nostalgia about potentially achieving similar glory on an international stage. “Just to think about the chances of playing in the Olympics and getting a gold medal is a dream,” he shared.
As much as he dreams big, Jefferson doesn’t shy away from the challenges that still lie ahead, nor should he. Whatever the outcome, he knows that moving forward with an Olympics bid will involve a lot of discussion about his obligations to the NFL. “That’s the decision I’ll definitely have to weigh in a little bit,” he remarked.
Jefferson’s on-field trial has already made him a four-time Pro Bowl athlete, testament to his exemplary skillset. Given his athletic pedigree, he may have done very well not just on the gridiron but in flag football at the Olympics, as well. He understands that the NFL calendar may have more leeway in 2028 to make that possible.
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