Patrick Mahomes is the most accomplished quarterback in the NFL right now, boasting three Super Bowl rings, two NFL MVP awards and a whole lot of records. With flag football becoming an Olympic sport in 2028, some believe he would be the perfect person to represent the United States in the inaugural Olympic flag football tournament.
But there’s one important person who disagrees: Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes reiterated today (after stating several times in the past) that he doesn’t believe he has it in him to add the Olympics to his yearly football schedule. He said that the Olympics something he would leave for “the younger guys” since he’ll be “a little older” by the time the Olympics arrive.
“I’ll probably leave that to the younger guys. I’ll be a little older by the time that comes around,” Mahomes said.
Mahomes will be nearing his 33rd birthday by the time the Summer Olympics arrive in Los Angeles. It’s not exactly retirement age, but it’s usually not the prime of a quarterback’s athletic career either.
Nevertheless, fans on social media were pretty upset to hear that Mahomes won’t even be putting himself in consideration for the Olympics:
“I would personally love Mahomes to enter the Olympics in order to possibly become an Olympic champion. An Olympic Gold medal is one of the most prestigious accomplishments an athlete could ever win,” one user on X remarked.
“Tbh I’m disappointed mahomes won’t play in the Olympics,” wrote another.
“He’s got too much on the line to be risking injury for flag football,” a third pointed out.
“He knows he’s not the best option for QB for the USA team,” another mused.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 09: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
There’s already a fierce debate going on over whether NFL players should even get the first crack at the Olympics since there have been flag football players plying their trade for years.
The NFL only recently announced that a small number of players would be permitted to play in the Olympics, though even then it’s hard to project who will wind up being eligible to play.
There’s still nearly three years before a decision has to be made, but Mahomes has already made it a bit easier.
