Steelers' Mike Tomlin Is Not Sold On NFL Players Being The Big Answer For 2028 Olympics

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a fairly uncertain future as a lot of the organization's stars are aging quite fast defensively, and there doesn't seem to be a long-term solution at quarterback. It is hard to say the franchise is going to have much success over the next several seasons, but Pittsburgh will have some players that will be able to play for America in 2028 at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, CA. Flag football will be an event for the first time at the Olympics, and the United States will have some of the best players to choose from to make up its team in the event.

As of now, the only thing that is known about the team is that Jalen Hurts will likely be on it. He is the international ambassador for flag football, and his skill set as a quarterback should make him one of the best options to suit up for USA in the event. Some fans wondered whether or not the NFL would even allow its players to participate in the Olympics, but league insider Tom Pelissero reported on Thursday that owners throughout the league are trying to come to a reasonable agreement to allow players to participate.

Owners are going to be worried about some of their best players getting injured when participating in the Olympics, which is an unfortunate reality. However, this is flag football, and there is no reason to think that any other country in the world will be able to even closely compete with America in 2028.

In addition to injury concerns, most owners will also have players that are going to be in consideration for other rosters around the world. Team's need to be ensured that all players will be protected from injury, which is going to be the main talking point of any potential resolution that is discussed by the league and its owners. Pelissero was able to get his hands on the actual resolution, which he released on Thursday.

Some of the highlights from the resolution is that each country can have a maximum of one representative from each franchise, while the designated International Player will also be playing for their country. In Pittsburgh's case, that would be Julius Welschof, who will be suiting up for Germany. By 2028, that will probably change, but he is going into his second season on the roster. Basically, one player from each team in the NFL can play for America in the Olympics. The roster size of the team is unclear, as are the positions of need, but it will be interesting to see which players from Pittsburgh are considered.

Steelers Don't Have Many Players That Would Be Considered For The 2028 Olympics

There are still three more NFL seasons before these Olympics take place, which makes it hard to guess what players might be involved outside of Hurts. Players are going to age, and new players will be entering the league. There is also the chance that college players will be invited to play, which is sometimes the case for the USA Basketball Team. 

Two players on Pittsburgh's current roster make sense for the 2028 team, and that would be cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and wide receiver DK Metcalf. Porter is only going into his third season, and he could easily be one of the best corners in the league by the time the 2027 season ends and the Olympics are coming up. Metcalf is a big-bodied wide receiver that should be able to dominate anyone in a flag football format, and he will also only be 30-years old by the time the Olympics roll around. 

Those are two candidates for Pittsburgh, but the organization probably wouldn't be too fond of their players competing in the Olympics due to risk of injury. Time will tell.

What player from the Steelers do you think will be playing in the Olympics in 2028? Let us know in the comments below!

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