The National Football League announced plans to develop a professional flag football league for both men and women, with the launch timeline expected to align with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics when flag football will make its debut as an Olympic sport.

Several prominent former NFL quarterbacks are supporting the initiative, including Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and Peyton Manning. The league represents the NFL's expansion into alternative formats of football beyond the traditional 11-on-11 game.

The timing appears strategic, as flag football will be included in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This Olympic inclusion provides additional visibility and legitimacy for the sport, potentially creating new opportunities for professional competition.

The announcement comes as the NFL continues to explore various business opportunities and formats. The league has not yet released detailed information about the structure, number of teams, or specific launch dates for the new flag football league.

Flag football, a non-contact version of American football where players remove flags from ball carriers instead of tackling, has grown in popularity at youth and recreational levels. The NFL's entry into professional flag football could provide a pathway for athletes who may not fit the traditional profile for tackle football.