The NFL could soon see many of its star players featured in the 2028 Olympics as flag football comes to the Summer Games. If that’s the case, Pittsburgh Steelers such as cornerback Joey Porter, Jr., could be put in a precarious position.
According to reports, next week’s league meeting will involve a vote on whether to permit NFL talent to participate in the 2028 Olympics in flag football competition. Naturally, for viewership purposes, it would be a huge win for the NFL to showcase its talents to a global audience in a brand-new fashion.
Still, such a decision places a difficult decision before some of the league’s top stars. Is the opportunity worth the risk of a summer injury before the start of the following season?
For what it’s worth, the NFL does mention in the proposal shared by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that countries will have to meet a minimum standard set by the NFL to accommodate players with quality medical staff and playing surfaces. Further, protections for potentially injured players would be put in place if the proposal passes.
The proposal also outlines that NFL teams would be permitted to allow just one player from their roster to participate, presumptively putting pressure on teams to allow their star athletes to play in the games.
Which Pittsburgh Steelers could shine on Team USA in 2028?
Looking through the Steelers roster, Pittsburgh has a few players who could make a splash on the international stage. Names like T.J. Watt, D.K. Metcalf, and Minkah Fitzpatrick command national attention, but given their veteran status and the nature of flag football, it seems unlikely any of them would answer the call three years from now.
Joey Porter Jr. seems the most likely candidate on the roster at the moment. Porter may not have the elite ball skills to warrant playing some offense, too, but for flag football, he’s a ridiculous athlete who would boost the American squad significantly on defense. Plus, given his current trajectory, he’s poised to be one of the top five corners in the league by 2028.
The door would also be open for younger players on the current roster, such as Kaleb Johnson and Calvin Austin III, but until either player proves themselves in the coming years, it’s difficult to see them as the Pittsburgh representative just yet. If Jaylen Warren is still in Pittsburgh three years from now, he’d also make a fine candidate.
Of course, no matter who may be selected to represent the Steelers in the 2028 Olympics, fans are sure to have mixed feelings about it. Seeing one of your favorite players take an unprecedented opportunity is hard to pass up, but fearing that an injury could derail the coming season is just as hard to swallow.
