LAS VEGAS (KGPE) – Last weekend, for the second year in a row, the Pro Bowl games featured flag football. Flag football is not the same as tackle football, but interest is growing exponentially – so much so that in four years it will be in the Olympics.
The path to becoming an NFL player usually starts by playing football at the youth level, then high school, then college. To become a flag football player? That path doesn’t have to involve football at all.
Jo Overstreet, flag football wide receiver, was ranked eighth in the nation for high jump. She played basketball and was also a softball player. Now Jo is a four-time member of the U.S. women’s flag national team.
“I’m able to use those skills that I have,” said Jo. “But, honestly, the community of people that we play with, and having the opportunity to play against athletes around the world.”
Flag football truly is an international sport and it is estimated that there are more than 20 million players in more than 100 countries.
“When i moved to Dallas, Texas in January, I found out how serious it was,” said Bruce Mapp, flag football wide receiver. “I found out i was on the radar for the national team, and went to the tryout and made the team.”
Flag football will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028 for both men and women.
The NFL supports that plan – and there is a chance NFL players could be on the Olympic team.