In a forward-looking statement that has captured the imagination of American football fans, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has issued a compelling call for legendary quarterback Tom Brady to emerge from retirement and represent Team USA at the Olympic Games.
Olympic Debut Sparks Speculation
The Summer Olympics are set to return to Los Angeles in 2028, marking the historic debut of American flag football as an official Olympic sport. This inclusion has ignited widespread speculation within the NFL community about which elite players might be selected to don the national colours and compete for gold on the global stage.
Hypothetical rosters have been a topic of fervent discussion among fans and analysts alike ever since the sport's Olympic status was confirmed. That speculation has now been amplified by active players themselves, adding a new layer of excitement to the conversation.
A Super Bowl Player's Wishlist
Ahead of his appearance in Super Bowl LX, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was asked about his dream teammates for a potential Olympic flag football squad. The Seahawks star initially highlighted the appeal of reuniting with former college comrades.
"I think playing with Garrett Wilson would be fun, a lot of my Ohio State Buckeyes would be cool," Smith-Njigba remarked, envisioning a collegiate reunion on the Olympic field.
However, he then elevated the discussion by making a bold and tantalising suggestion. "I think Tom Brady, you know, him coming back... that would be awesome," he added, directly appealing to the retired seven-time Super Bowl champion.
Brady's Flag Football Foray Fuels the Fire
Speculation surrounding a potential Olympic appearance for Tom Brady has been simmering since he announced his participation in the upcoming Fanatics Flag Football Classic. This high-profile event, organised by Fanatics and hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, will feature a star-studded lineup including Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Saquon Barkley, and Tyreek Hill.
Scheduled for mid-March in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and set for broadcast on Fox Sports, the tournament will mark Brady's first competitive football action since his official retirement from the NFL in 2023. While the quarterback has not explicitly stated this is a precursor to an Olympic bid, he has framed the event as a significant gateway.
A Multi-Year Commitment to the Game
Brady, who also holds a minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, described the initiative as a long-term project. "It's a multi-year commitment," he explained. "Obviously, we're getting off to a good start. The first year will be kind of where everyone's attention and energy is at. It's the first time we've ever done something like this, but all the players that I've talked to are excited about playing."
He directly connected the event to the looming Olympic opportunity, noting its role in introducing NFL talent to the flag format. "With the Olympics coming up in 2028, I think it's all the NFL players' first exposure to it, and I didn't want to miss out on being a part of it," Brady stated, underscoring the growing importance of flag football on the international sports calendar.
As the 2028 Los Angeles Games draw nearer, the prospect of seeing icons like Tom Brady team up with current stars such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba under the Team USA banner continues to build anticipation, blending past glory with future Olympic dreams.
