RADIO
RotoBaller's Brant Henson constructs the strongest 10-man Team USA flag football roster using NFL players. See who makes the cut for the 2028 Olympic roster.
QB - Lamar Jackson
In flag football, elusiveness wins. Lamar Jackson can make plays with his feet while also being a top-tier passer, making him a no-brainer selection as Team USA’s quarterback.
RB - Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley was the NFL’s most explosive playmaker a season ago, bringing home the Offensive Player of the Year honors while rushing for a career-high 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns. Barkley’s speed and ability to make defenders miss would translate to the flag football field, making him an ideal candidate to play running back for Team USA.
RB - RJ Harvey
Denver’s second-round selection may be a surprising addition to Team USA for some, but RJ Harvey offers explosiveness similar to that of his Team USA teammate Saquon Barkley. In addition, Harvey was initially a quarterback coming out of college. Team USA needs an emergency quarterback in case Lamar goes down, and rather than roster two with a 10-man roster constraint, they add a running back with quarterback experience.
WR - Ja'Marr Chase
Ja’Marr Chase has been among the NFL’s premier receivers since entering the league in 2021. Being an elite playmaker with no red flags to his game, he is an easy pick to start at receiver for Team USA.
WR - Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson has been vocal about the opportunity to win a gold medal becoming a reality, and here he gets a chance to compete in the Olympics alongside his friend and former LSU teammate in Ja’Marr Chase. Jefferson has never had a season under 1,000 receiving yards despite only playing 10 games in 2023, and the idea of having him run alongside Chase again with Lamar Jackson throwing the ball is too intriguing to pass up.
WR/DB - Travis Hunter
Travis Hunter is an easy pick given his versatility to play both receiver and cornerback. One roster spot for an elite talent at two positions seems like a no-brainer in a position where roster numbers are in a crunch. Hunter will operate as the third receiver and a depth piece defensively for the stacked Team USA.
DB - Patrick Surtain II
Fresh off the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, Patrick Surtain II is the easy pick to shut down the passing game of opposing countries. No quarterback is going to want to throw his way, but may be forced to with the other defenders on the field.
DB - Xavier McKinney
Finishing second in the league in interceptions in 2024, Xavier McKinney was everywhere. The ball hawk can serve as a back-end defender, ensuring nothing gets past him, but also forcing turnovers in Los Angeles.
DB - Budda Baker
Finishing second in the league in tackles in 2024, Budda Baker is always in the right place at the right time. Field vision is extremely important in flag football and paired on the back-end of the defense with McKinney, Team USA may not let up a touchdown.
DB - Derek Stingley Jr.
A third member of the 2019 LSU team makes the cut for Team USA’s 10-man roster. Derek Stingley Jr. is currently the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, and rightfully so after fully breaking onto the scene as a shutdown corner in 2024. Pairing Stingley with Surtain is nightmare fuel for opposing offenses.
