Why A.J. Brown is skipping 2028 Olympic flag football despite NFL stars getting the green light

For the first time in history, NFL players will be eligible to represent their countries in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This landmark decision was greenlit unanimously by all 32 team owners during the NFL’s spring meetings. With this resolution in place, the NFL can now open discussions with the NFL Players Association, USA Football, and Olympic officials to outline the roadmap for player participation in the Games. But Eagles star A.J. Brown has another plan. While this development is undeniably exciting for football fans worldwide, the bigger question now looms: will top-tier NFL athletes really trade their training camps for Olympic gold?One of the first star players to weigh in was Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown—and he made his stance clear.“I heard the Olympics is during camp? So no,” Brown said. “Hopefully it goes through. But me personally, no. Because you guys (the media) and fans would be complaining about me not being in camp. So I’ll keep the main thing the main thing.”His words echo the sentiment many veterans in the league may feel—especially those who prioritize the rigorous preparation for the NFL season over a new Olympic chapter in their careers. And with the LA Olympics scheduled from July 14 to July 28, participation would mean skipping part of NFL training camp, a sacrifice not every athlete is willing to make.Per ESPN, the NFL is working to iron out specifics, such as allowing any player under contract to attend tryouts, limiting one player per NFL team to any national squad, and addressing player protection through insurance and possible salary cap exemptions. However, these measures may not be enough to sway stars who view their NFL commitments as paramount.Brown’s perspective isn’t surprising, especially considering his goal to bring more titles to Philadelphia after a recent Super Bowl win. At that point in his career—alongside other Eagles stars like Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith—age and priorities might make a short Olympic stint less appealing than a shot at another Lombardi Trophy.Meeting with reporters earlier this week, Brown doubled down: “That would be fun just to compete. Me personally, no, because of camp. [The media] would be complaining, ‘A.J. Brown is not in camp.’ So I’m going to keep the main thing the main thing.”The truth is, only 12 players and up to six alternates will eventually suit up for Team USA in 2028. While Brown may not be one of them, the NFL and USA Football won’t struggle to find willing participants. But as the sport takes this monumental leap onto the Olympic stage, it’s clear that for some stars, the gridiron remains their ultimate arena.Also Read: Jalen Hurts reveals the mindset driving his hunger for a repeat after Super Bowl triumph