Mike Evans feels Pro Bowl flag football is practice for much-awaited 2028 LA Olympics
The IOC approved five sports, including squash, cricket, lacrosse, softball, and flag football, for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
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Mike Evans (Image via Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is contemplating representing Team USA in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The six-time Pro Bowler, who has embraced the Pro Bowl’s flag football format, sees the Pro Bowl as an exciting opportunity to practice for the eventual games.
Evans, who turns 32 in August, is uncertain about his NFL future but is open to playing in the Olympics if he retires. With an illustrious career marked by record-setting performances, his presence would be a major boost to the team.
In October 2023, the International Olympic Committee announced that men’s and women’s flag football would debut in the 2028 Olympics. Cricket, Squash, Softball, and Lacrosse also were approved by the IOC for the next Olympics.
Evans, Tampa Bay’s all-time leading scorer, acknowledges that by 2028, he may be retired but remains keen on the opportunity.
This is good practice for me in the Olympics. Most likely I’ll be retired by 2028. How many years is that? Three years? I don’t know. But if I am retired, I would definitely like to play in the Olympics.
Mike Evans stated
Mike Evans could be going for gold in 2028 🥇🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/MRiwGamza6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 2, 2025
Mike Evans is one of the most celebrated players on the Bucs roster. His presence on the US team for the Olympics would strongly improve the country’s chances of winning it by big margins. Evans has tied with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at 11. His 105 regular-season touchdowns are the most in the league since 2014.
Other NFL stars, including Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, have also expressed interest in joining Team USA. Meanwhile, Peyton Manning expressed his interest in coaching Team USA in the prestigious tournament.
The growing appeal of Flag Football
Flag football’s inclusion in the Olympics has generated excitement among athletes and fans alike. Unlike traditional tackle football, it is a non-contact sport, making it more accessible to a global audience.
The game emphasizes speed, agility, and strategy, characteristics that fit Mike Evans and many others’ playing styles. Flag football, often regarded as an alternative to tackle football, has experienced a surge in organized leagues in recent years. The potential participation of key NFL stalwarts is a highlight of how the sport has grown and its ability to attract top-tier athletes.
From the #ProBowlGames to #LA28, @NFLFLAG represents the inclusive, exciting and global future of football. 🏈
— NFL (@NFL) February 2, 2025
📺: #ProBowlGames — 3pm ET on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/t05gI3GuQb
The NFL has been instrumental in promoting flag football, primarily through its NFL FLAG program, which has established over 1,800 leagues across the country, engaging nearly 700,000 players. Women make up 25% of these athletes, representing the sport’s fastest-growing demographic. In 2023 alone, nearly 500,000 girls aged 6 to 17 participated in flag football, reflecting a 63% surge since 2019.
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Mohammed Bazim
(460 Articles Published)