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Tom Brady isn’t willing to let Patrick Mahomes take Olympic gold, so a battle of legends is on the horizon

Posted on May 29, 2025 - 4:01 am by

The LA2028 Olympics are set to make history with the debut of Flag Football, and the buzz is electric: NFL legends Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes could be vying for Olympic gold. With the NFL granting permission for its stars to compete, the prospect of these iconic quarterbacks representing Team USA has fans dreaming of a legendary showdown. At 50, Brady’s participation would be a testament to his enduring greatness, while Mahomes, a Super Bowl rival, could bring his dynamic flair to the global stage. As debates swirl about their inclusion, will this battle of titans redefine sports history, or will tensions with Flag Football veterans steal the spotlight? Let’s dive into this thrilling Olympic saga and what it means for the future of football.

The inclusion of Flag Football in the LA2028 Olympics marks a historic moment for American football, offering NFL stars a chance to chase Olympic glory. Unlike traditional tackle football, Flag Football is a non-contact sport where players pull a flag from an opponent’s belt to stop a play, making it accessible and less physically demanding. This has sparked excitement about NFL players, with their unparalleled skills, dominating the Olympic stage. As former Australian boxer Jeff Fenech eloquently stated, “An Olympic medal is the greatest achievement and honor that can be received by an athlete,” underscoring the prestige at stake. With Team USA’s dominance in football, a gold medal seems within reach, but the question is: who will lead the charge?

Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion, is at the heart of the conversation. On the Up and Adams Show, host Kay Adams and former NFL player Jason McCourty discussed Brady’s potential Olympic participation. McCourty enthused, “You talk about the notoriety that that would bring—Brady under center doing that, that’d be awesome.” Despite being 50 by 2028, Brady’s pinpoint accuracy and football IQ make him a viable candidate for Flag Football, which requires less physicality. McCourty noted, “I’m not getting hit, and he obviously can probably still throw the ball,” highlighting Brady’s enduring arm strength, evidenced by his 2021 NFL season where he led the league with 5,316 passing yards at age 44. The prospect of Brady donning a Team USA jersey is a marketing dream, promising to elevate Flag Football’s global profile.

However, Brady isn’t the only NFL star in the Olympic conversation. Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar and three-time Super Bowl MVP, is another prime candidate. Having faced Brady in Super Bowl LV, where Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers triumphed, Mahomes brings a dynamic skillset with his mobility and improvisational passing. At 32 in 2028, Mahomes would be in his prime, potentially outshining even Brady in a non-contact format that rewards agility and creativity. The possibility of these two legends competing for spots on Team USA—or even clashing in an Olympic trial—has fans buzzing about a “battle of titans” that could rival their Super Bowl showdown. Their inclusion would not only boost Team USA’s chances but also draw unprecedented attention to the sport.

Yet, the road to Olympic glory isn’t without challenges. American Flag Football star Darrell Doucette has expressed reservations about NFL players joining the team, as noted by McCourty: “If Darrell was pissed off about the other guys talking about [joining], they’re going to come represent.” Doucette, a veteran of the sport, represents a community of Flag Football players who have honed their craft outside the NFL spotlight. The tension raises a critical question: should NFL stars like Brady and Mahomes earn their spots through open trials, or does their professional pedigree justify automatic inclusion? The International Olympic Committee and USA Football will need to balance star power with fairness, ensuring the selection process respects the sport’s grassroots foundation while capitalizing on the NFL’s global appeal.

The broader implications of Brady and Mahomes competing in LA2028 extend beyond the field. Flag Football’s Olympic debut is a chance to grow the sport globally, with over 20 million participants in 100 countries, according to the NFL. The presence of NFL icons could inspire new audiences, particularly in regions where American football is less established. However, the Suns’ struggles with Kevin Durant, as seen in recent trade rumors, highlight the risks of relying on aging superstars—Brady’s age could be a factor, even in a less demanding sport. For Team USA, the goal is clear: assemble a roster that maximizes gold medal chances while showcasing the sport’s inclusivity. Whether Brady and Mahomes make the cut, their potential participation is already sparking debates that will shape the narrative leading to 2028.

The prospect of Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes battling for Olympic gold in Flag Football at LA2028 is a dream scenario for NFL fans and Olympic enthusiasts alike. Their star power could transform Flag Football into a global phenomenon, but tensions with Flag Football veterans and questions about selection fairness add intrigue to this saga. Will Brady, at 50, defy age to cement his legacy, or will Mahomes steal the spotlight in a clash of legends? As the countdown to LA2028 begins, one thing is certain: this Olympic showdown could redefine what it means to be a sports icon.