3 Chicago Bears players who would make realistic sense to compete in flag football for Team USA in the 2028 Olympics
On Tuesday, the NFL owners unanimously voted to allow the players to participate in the debut of flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics.This is a huge deal for the players because it's not something other professional sporting leagues prefer to do, and seeing a clean sweep in the voting shows the league believes this […]
On Tuesday, the NFL owners unanimously voted to allow the players to participate in the debut of flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
This is a huge deal for the players because it's not something other professional sporting leagues prefer to do, and seeing a clean sweep in the voting shows the league believes this can help maximize international exposure even more.
And for the players, this is a dream opportunity. The only real concern is the injury risk, but that comes with any offseason activity. I'm sure by 2028 the NFLPA will have some kind of contract structure to protect players participating in the Olympics from that.
Regardless, with this move official, now we can begin breaking down which players can represent Team USA from the Olympics. Our own Tyler Forness already put together a formidable team of NFL stars, but here are three Chicago Bears players who can realistically join the roster.
QB Caleb Williams
By 2028, Caleb Williams should hopefully be viewed as one of the top quarterbacks in the league and reaching star status working with Ben Johnson. He certainly has the physical ability and unworldly skills to reach that level.
Williams' style of play as a passer is perfect for a flag football team. He's a freestyler in the pocket who's not afraid to move around and throw from any position.
He's also shifty on his feet, as evident by his 489 rushing yards in 2024. The only thing to worry about with Williams is his pocket presence and timing. By 2028, he should rectify those issues.
CB Jaylon Johnson
Flag football is a different game than NFL football, and having previous experience helps. Which is why Jaylon Johnson is an easy choice to pick from Chicago.
Johnson reached the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons, which concludes with a flag football game between the NFC and AFC teams. On the field, Johnson is a lock down corner and proving to be one of the best in that area of the game.
Opposing quarterbacks are scared to throw against this guy and being able to fully eliminate the top opposing target helps the entire defense do their job. In regards to his age, Johnson will only be 29 when the Olympics occurs, so still in his prime.
WR Luther Burden III
When looking at the Bears' skill positions, this was an easy choice to me. DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and D'Andre Swift could hold their own on the flag football field, but Luther Burden III's ability on the field would be perfect in that setting.
Burden's yard after catch skills are the best out of the entire 2025 draft class and now that he's got a major chip on his shoulder from being passed up in the first-round, the rookie is out for blood.
By 2028, Burden will be a stud. He's got ideal size with superpower shiftiness. Each of those would be ideal traits to make for a dominant flag football wide receiver in a few years.
Projected US Olympic men’s Flag Football team highlighted by Lamar Jackson and Justin Jefferson, including some surprises
This team could take the gold medal in 2028
