When the Los Angeles Chargers’ star safety Derwin James Jr. stepped onto the tarmac at LAX, he wasn’t there to talk about the next season or his contract. He was there to weigh in on a question that has been buzzing in sports circles for months: Should NFL players compete in the 2028 Summer Games, where flag football will make its Olympic debut?
The Flag Football Showcase
Last week, the Fanatics Flag Football Classic (FFC) brought together a mix of professional athletes, celebrities, and the U.S. men’s national flag football team for a high‑energy exhibition. The event, held in Los Angeles, was a preview of what flag football could look like on the Olympic stage. James, who had been sidelined by a minor injury and couldn’t take part in the game, watched from the sidelines as teammates and opponents executed complex formations and lightning‑fast plays.
He praised the flag football players’ skill set, noting that their agility, quick decision‑making, and strategic awareness would give them an edge in a sport that rewards speed and precision over brute force. “I’ve seen the formations they were running out there, it was crazy!” James said. “They’re more prepared, more skilled.”
James Jr.’s Concerns About Olympic Play
While James acknowledged the excitement of the Olympics, he cautioned that the risk of injury for active NFL players might outweigh the potential glory. He said, “Give the NFL players, you know, that’s kinda retired, already done playing, kind of on the backend, because I feel like a lot of those movements is a lot of risk on your joints, too.”
James, who finished the previous season with three interceptions and a fumble recovery, highlighted the physical toll that the NFL’s high‑impact game takes on the body. He pointed out that the same movements—sudden cuts, high‑velocity tackles, and explosive jumps—are also present in flag football, but the stakes are higher when a player’s career and long‑term health are on the line.
In a candid moment, he asked, “Do you want your receiver out there or your number one corner?” The implication was clear: the risk of a serious injury could jeopardize a player’s future in the league.
Why Practice Squad Players Should Stay Away Too
James didn’t limit his advice to just the active roster. He also urged practice squad players to skip the Games, noting that their primary goal is to earn a spot on the active roster. “If you’re still fighting for a place on the team, you don’t want to risk a serious injury that could derail your chances,” he explained.
He emphasized that the practice squad’s grind is already intense, with players constantly pushing themselves to impress coaches and secure a promotion. Adding the physical demands of an Olympic competition could be a double‑edged sword.
Retired Players: A Different Story
James did, however, leave a door open for retired or veteran NFL players. He suggested that those who have already hung up their cleats could take the opportunity to compete without the same level of risk. “Give the NFL players, you know, that’s kinda retired, already done playing, kind of on the backend,” he said, implying that the stakes for a retired player are lower.
Joe Burrow’s Dream
Not everyone is ready to heed James’s advice. In a separate interview at the FFC press
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