USA Football has just crossed the goal line of sports governance, officially certified as the National Governing Body (NGB) for American football by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
This landmark decision crowns USA Football as the sport’s first-ever NGB, paving the way for men’s and women’s flag football to shine on the Olympic stage in Los Angeles 2028.
A Historic Title, A Weighty Responsibility
As the newly minted NGB, USA Football will steer every dimension of the sport—from grassroots flag clinics to elite tackle training.
That means selecting, training and leading Team USA in both tackle and flag disciplines, ensuring our red, white and blue athletes are primed for gold.
“Being formally certified as the National Governing Body is a historic achievement, tremendous honour and incredible responsibility as flag football’s Olympic debut draws closer. We thank the USOPC for its approval and support throughout this process,” said USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck.
“We’re also grateful to the NFL and all our partners for their continued support and belief in our mission. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches and entire organisation.
Our commitment to this great game and its growing community has never been stronger. Team USA flag football competing in LA 2028 will inspire athletes worldwide to advance and grow the sport — in both flag and tackle football.”
USOPC Partnership Kicks Off New Era
“We are pleased to welcome USA Football to the USOPC family of national governing bodies and can’t wait to see these great athletes take the field as Team USA at LA28,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland.
“The process of becoming a NGB requires demonstrating great commitment to the athletes, to the sport, and to the Olympic and Paralympic community.
We thank the leadership and staff at USA Football for supporting those principles and we look forward to a successful partnership.”
From Sidelines to Centre Stage
USA Football’s mission—to grow and develop American football across the nation and on the world stage—gains new momentum with Olympic recognition.
Flag football’s surge in popularity is turbocharged by the promise of Olympic medals, with high school girls’ flag programs now varsity sports in 14 states and the NCAA eyeing it for its “Emerging Sports for Women” roster.
“It’s amazing to see the progress flag football has made, especially for girls and women,” said Team USA quarterback Vanita Krouch.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my teammates, coaches and USA Football, who have all worked extremely hard to get to this moment.
It’s surreal to know that the Olympics are just around the corner. I’m proud to show young girls around the world that they can achieve greatness in football, and I can’t wait for the world to see our team compete in 2028.”
Athletes Dream Big
With Olympic dreams now on the table, USA Football’s national teams are already writing their comeback stories.
“This is an unbelievable opportunity for us to show the world what flag football is all about,” said Team USA quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette.
“I never imagined there would be a chance for athletes to represent the U.S. on the Olympic stage in flag football. We’re on the verge of making history.
It’s been an honour to have played with so many of the trailblazers who have elevated this sport and paved the way for future generations.”
Building on a Winning Playbook
USA Football has long supported the sport’s expansion through its acclaimed National Team Development Program, accredited coaching courses and generous grants.
Today’s NGB status turbocharges those efforts, promising more opportunities for athletes at every level—whether they lace up cleats for tackle or don flags for non‑contact glory.
As flag and tackle football fans celebrate this milestone, one thing’s clear: USA Football is teeing up the next era of gridiron greatness, with Olympic gold now firmly in the crosshairs.
