In a bold move, the NFL has opened the door for its players to showcase their talents on an international stage by participating in the 2028 Summer Olympics, where flag football will make its debut. This exciting development has unleashed a wave of speculation about which NFL stars might don the red, white, and blue in pursuit of Olympic glory.
As the years progress toward 2028, fans might be tempted to predict the inclusion of megastars like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Patrick Surtain II on Team USA. However, when you consider the demands of the Olympic format and the potential for emerging talent in the league, the equation gets a bit more complex.
By the time the Olympic flame makes its way to the ’28 Summer Games, Jefferson and Chase will be 28 years old. While certainly not past their prime, the NFL could lean towards giving younger talents the spotlight.
Enter Maxwell Hairston, a name that’s gaining traction as a top prospect for the U.S. Olympic flag football squad.
The Buffalo Bills snagged Hairston in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and his athletic prowess fits the bill perfectly for the fast-paced, agility-driven world of flag football. His entry into the league brought with it jaw-dropping speed and explosiveness—qualities that make him an obvious candidate for this new Olympic format.
Cody Benjamin from CBS Sports highlights Hairston’s capabilities, noting that while NFL defenders like T.J. Watt dominate through sheer power, players like Hairston offer a different kind of threat. With a 4.28-second 40-yard dash time and a vertical leap stretching to 39.5 inches, Hairston possesses the fleet-footed abilities critical for the dynamic play style of flag football, where outpacing opponents is half the battle.
Beyond his raw athletic stats, Hairston brings a versatile skill set nurtured by his dual-role days in high school. There, he thrived as both a wide receiver and a defensive back, a testament to his adaptability and game intelligence.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic notes Hairston’s offensive prowess in the 7-on-7 circuits, where he tallied eight touchdowns in his senior year. This kind of versatility is a prized asset in flag football, where teams depend on multifaceted players to excel on both sides of the ball.
Though the 2028 Olympics are still on the horizon, the idea of Hairston lighting up the field is tantalizing. If his NFL journey continues on its current trajectory, don’t be surprised if Hairston becomes a household name well before the Olympic torch is lit. Consider him a key player to watch as we inch closer to what promises to be a groundbreaking chapter for both the NFL and Olympic history.
