The excitement of the 2024-25 NFL season is just around the corner, and this Saturday marks a crucial day for teams across the league. As the penultimate day of preseason games, it’s a make-or-break moment for many players who are vying for a spot on their team’s roster. This is the last chance for these athletes to showcase their skills, make a lasting impression, and secure a place in the highly competitive world of professional football.
A Day Packed with Action
Half of the league is set to hit the field, with seven inter-conference matchups scheduled for Saturday, primarily in the 1 p.m. ET time slot. This jam-packed day is not just about the stars we all know and love; it’s a pivotal opportunity for the underdogs, the rookies, and the players on the bubble. Coaches will be closely watching every play, every tackle, and every catch, as they make their final decisions on who will cut for the regular season.
Games and How to Watch
Here’s a quick rundown of Saturday’s NFL preseason games, including the schedule, matchups, and how to catch all the action:
- Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – 1:00 PM ET
- Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears – 1:00 PM ET
- Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers – 1:00 PM ET
- Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Commanders – 1:00 PM ET
- Los Angeles Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers – 1:00 PM ET
- Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos – 1:00 PM ET
- Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 1:00 PM ET
To catch these games, fans can tune in via NFL Network, local broadcasting stations, or streaming platforms like NFL Game Pass, which offers live coverage of preseason games. Additionally, most games will be available for replay, allowing fans to catch up on all the action they might have missed.
The Rise of Flag Football: A New Era for NFL Stars?
As we gear up for another thrilling NFL season, another football story is making headlines: the potential inclusion of NFL stars in the U.S. national flag football team for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. This development marks a significant shift in how the world views football and offers a unique opportunity for some of the NFL’s best to shine on an even bigger stage.
Flag Football’s Olympic Debut
Flag football, a five-on-five, no-contact version of the sport, will make its Olympic debut in 2028. Unlike traditional tackle football, flag football is played on a smaller field, with no linemen, and emphasizes speed, agility, and strategy over brute force. This change of pace could provide a refreshing challenge for NFL stars who are used to the high-impact, full-contact nature of professional football.
Scott Hallenbeck, CEO of USA Football, and Eric Mayes, managing director of high performance and national teams, have expressed their excitement about the possibility of having NFL talent represent Team USA at the Olympics. However, they also acknowledge the challenges that come with transitioning from 11-on-11 tackle football to the more nimble and finesse-oriented game of flag football.
NFL Stars Eyeing the Olympic Stage
Big-name NFL quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Caleb Williams, Joe Burrow, and Jalen Hurts have all shown interest in representing the United States in flag football. Tyreek Hill, the reigning NFL receiving yards leader, has also expressed a desire to compete for a spot on the team. These players bring a level of athleticism and skill that could potentially dominate the flag football scene. However, transitioning from the NFL’s style of play to flag football’s unique requirements is no small feat.
“You can’t help but salivate with the athleticism that could … be in the [player] pool,” Mayes said. But he also pointed out that “it’s not a one-to-one transition” between flag and tackle football. Certain types of players, particularly those with versatile skill sets, stand a better chance of making the switch than others.
The Trials Process: A Level Playing Field
The path to the Olympic flag football team will not be a simple one. Hallenbeck and Mayes have emphasized that there will be a rigorous trials process to determine who makes the team. This means no automatic invitations, even for NFL superstars. The trials will likely include combine-style testing, drills, and simulated games, with the goal of identifying the best talent for the Olympic roster.
This approach is necessary not only to comply with the US Olympic movement’s requirements but also because the current American national flag football team is already a powerhouse in its discipline. The US men’s team has won five of the last six world championships and is the reigning champion, having won gold at the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2022, and the Americas Continental championship in 2023.
The Challenges Ahead
While the idea of NFL stars competing in flag football is tantalizing, it’s important to recognize the differences between the two versions of the sport. The smaller field, the lack of contact, and the emphasis on quick, strategic plays all require a different set of skills than traditional tackle football. Players who are used to the physicality of the NFL may need time to adjust to the nuances of flag football.
Darrell “Housh” Doucette, the current starting quarterback for Team USA, is a prime example of the type of player who excels in flag football. Doucette is not just a passer; he is a versatile athlete who can run, catch, and defend. His ability to play multiple roles on the field makes him a valuable asset to the team. It’s this kind of adaptability that will be crucial for any NFL player hoping to make the switch to flag football.
A New Era of Football
The inclusion of flag football in the Olympics and the interest from NFL stars signals a new era for the sport. It represents a blending of different football cultures and an opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills on a global stage. For fans, it offers a chance to see their favorite NFL players in a new light, competing in a different version of the game they love.
As we look forward to the 2024-25 NFL season and beyond, the potential for NFL stars to represent Team USA in flag football adds an exciting dimension to the world of sports. Whether or not these stars cut, one thing is clear: the future of football is bright, and it’s more inclusive and diverse than ever before. As the trials begin and the Olympic dream comes into focus, football fans around the world can look forward to witnessing a truly historic moment in the evolution of the game.
