With flag football growing and even becoming an Olympic sport, the Pittsburgh Steelers had to work with the rest of the NFL to figure out a plan for their own players potentially going to the big event. Jordan Schultz recently announced that anyone playing tackle football in the U.S. will be able to go to Los Angeles, CA and represent their country in this new worldwide sport. Luckily, the games are in late July, so only a little bit of training camp will be missed for anyone that participates.
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A plethora of Steelers fans wave the infamous Terrible Towel during a home football game in Pittsburgh, PA.
That means that the Steelers could lose a few players to the Olympics temporarily. They have a few players currently on the team that could be options for the games, even if they are on other teams by 2028.
1. Calvin Austin III
While Calvin Austin III's size is seen as a negative at the pro level, it could be an asset in the Olympics. His short stature makes it harder for defenders to grab his flag, especially if he learns how to dip down like the experts do. Being 5'9" does have its pros, and Austin could use that to force himself onto the roster.
Of course, Austin is very fast and very shifty, which is the important part here. He most likely would have been at least a second-round pick if he were a couple inches taller. His elite speed however, would be great for running past the first wave of defenders, then he could dip to avoid the secondary. He could be used as a deep threat and a quick-hitter in the short passing game. All in all, he would be a great option for flag football.
2. Jaylen Warren
Speaking of tiny and shifty, Jaylen Warren brings his own skill set into the fold. While his power-running abilities won't be on display in this scenario. Of course, he can learn to dip down like Austin to make himself more of a threat with the ball in his hands, although he would definitely have to be used differently than the wideout.
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Steelers running back Jaylen Warren scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams.
Warren has shown great ability to bounce runs outside during his time with the Steelers. He could also be a quality receiver out of the backfield. While guys like Austin and Tyreek Hill can run deep to spread the defense out that way, Warren could be the checkdown magnet that gets chunk plays around the numbers to keep the opposition honest and force them to protect down low too.
3. Payton Wilson
For a team that prides themselves on defense, it would only make sense for a Steelers defender to make his presence known. Payton Wilson has shown incredible athleticism as a coverage backer, and he has a nose for the football: wherever the ball is, that's usually where he is specifically. That's the kind of player that team USA could use in the Olympics.
Wilson clearly has not been slowed down by his missing ACL. The second-year linebacker can fly all over the field and come up with plenty of big plays. The first down marker should be safe with him patrolling that area, and he should get plenty of chances to show what he can do with his current teammate locking down everything behind him.
4. Minkah Fitzpatrick
While Minkah Fitzpatrick is seemingly not the same big-play machine that he once was, a lot of that is because he rarely gets targeted anymore on deep passes. Teams will go after him when he comes underneath, but he still has the ability to prevent big plays. His mere presence deep in the secondary is usually enough to make opposing offenses reconsider their gameplan.
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Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick leaps high for an interception against his former team, the Miami Dolphins.
When Fitzpatrick does allow a reception underneath, he is still capable of coming up and making the play for a minimal gain. He is still better as a deep safety, but he can be called upon to take away a flag if needed. In a sport that thrives on splash plays, you need a player that is an expert at limiting those exact situations, and that's where Fitzpatrick enters the conversation.
Other Steelers That Could Make The Flag Football Team
Are there more Steelers that would fit on the American flag football team for the Olympics? Absolutely. However, we want to hear from yinz. What players from Pittsburgh would you want to see in Los Angeles in 2028? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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