Patrick Surtain II and the Olympic Dream: Why the Broncos Should Let Him Play Flag Football

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In 2028, the Summer Olympics will welcome a new event to its lineup: flag football. With the NFL recently approving the participation of its players, the door has opened for some of the league's biggest stars to represent their country on a global stage. Among the most highly recommended players is Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Surtain’s elite coverage skills, football intelligence, and versatility make him an ideal candidate for the U.S. Olympic flag football team. As such, the Denver Broncos should allow Surtain to pursue this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, balancing organizational concerns with the broader benefit to the player, the league, and the sport.

Flag football is a non-contact variant of the traditional game, played on a 50-yard field with an emphasis on speed, agility, and passing. According to NFL.com analyst Nick Shook, Surtain’s ability to shut down top receivers would translate perfectly to this format (Shook). Without the physicality of full-contact football, the risk of injury is greatly diminished. Moreover, the Olympics could offer Surtain a chance to showcase his abilities on both sides of the ball. He has previously expressed interest in taking offensive snaps, and flag football might be the perfect stage for him to do just that.

Despite the clear benefits, the Broncos must also consider the potential drawbacks. Olympic participation would overlap with the NFL’s traditional training camp schedule in mid-to-late July, meaning Surtain would miss key offseason activities. However, given his experience and grasp of the team’s defensive scheme, the impact of his absence would likely be minimal. Furthermore, NFL executive Jeff Miller has stated that the league is working closely with the NFL Players Association to ensure proper health and safety protocols are in place for Olympic competition, including insurance coverage and regulated playing surfaces.

The NFL plans to allow only one player per team to participate, emphasizing the exclusivity and prestige of the opportunity. For the Broncos, permitting Surtain to compete would demonstrate organizational support for player development beyond the traditional NFL scope. It would also bring increased visibility to the team and contribute to growing the sport internationally. More importantly, it would show a willingness to support athletes in fulfilling their personal and professional aspirations.

In conclusion, the Denver Broncos have much to gain by allowing Patrick Surtain II to represent the United States in the 2028 Olympic flag football competition. The risks are manageable, especially with league safeguards in place, and the potential rewards—for Surtain, the Broncos, and the sport—are significant. Supporting Surtain’s Olympic ambition would be a forward-thinking move that aligns with the evolving nature of professional football and its role on the world stage.