Could a 49er player go for the gold in 2028?
The 2028 Summer Olympics will see the addition of Flag Football to the competition. The NFL hasn’t come to full terms with letting their players participate, but there is a meeting with league owners next week to hammer out a resolution.
If a resolution is passed, no more than one player per team can participate, with players from different countries allowed to join their respective countries and compete for the gold medal.
Which San Francisco 49er player could be a candidate to compete in the five-on-five, 50-yard competition?
Nick Shook of NFL.com played a little fantasy football, building the perfect 12-man roster on offense and defense. Lamar Jackson at quarterback with Saquon Barkley at running back, Justin Jefferson and D.K. Metcalf would be the two receivers, and Brock Bowers as the starting tight end.
Shook chose MLB Fred Warner to lead the middle of the defense.
Warner is a do-everything linebacker with exceptional coverage skills and an innate nose for the ball in 11-on-11 football, so why not place him in the middle of the defense and ask him to do the same? With less structure and a heavier reliance on instincts, Warner should make the transition flawlessly, even at 31 years old.
Given Warner’s move from safety and range, flag football would be a glove and hand fit for the All-Pro linebacker. The question becomes, would Warner be inclined to help the Mexican Olympic team instead of the United States?
There will be significant pushback from fans not willing to risk a player’s health on the Summer Olympics. Think back to the World Baseball Classic when Mets closer Edwin Diaz blew his knee out celebrating with his team, costing him his season.
Yes, the Pro Bowl is a flag football and skills competition. However, the rosters are bigger and the stakes are lower, as the game is played at half speed and for fun. Winning a gold medal will lead to players giving their all in 2028.
NFL players are a large investment for organizations, so next week’s meeting will be interesting to determine the owners’ willingness to allow their star players to compete in 2028.
For now, it’s just a fun idea.