Flag soccer will not be a part of the 2024 Paris Olympics (July 26-Aug. 11), however it would debut on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow desires in on the motion.
“I actually need to play for the Olympic flag soccer group. Like me, Ja’Marr (Chase), Justin (Jefferson), me and my pals on the market enjoying soccer,” Burrow said recently about his former LSU teammates on the “Pardon My Take” podcast. “I feel it would be actually cool.”
Try the checklist for the “Dream Team” offense, however right here’s who ought to signify Staff USA on the defensive aspect of the ball.
Micah Parsons | Edge-Rusher | Dallas Cowboys
One of many largest defensive game-wreckers within the league, Parsons has the possibility to be one of many best edge-rushers. Parsons is averaging 13.5 sacks a season for his first three years. He’s a powerhouse but in addition one of many quickest edge-rushers within the league. This roster options loads of younger expertise, Parsons included, as he’ll be 29 in 2028.
Sauce Gardner | Cornerback | New York Jets
Coming into his third yr, Gardner is already a two-time All-Professional cornerback and one of the crucial impactful defensive gamers within the league. When his stats, it could appear that he’s not productive when it comes to choosing off opposing QBs (two profession interceptions), however that’s as a result of nobody desires to throw at him. He’s held opposing QBs to a completion proportion of 55 by way of his first two years. Though solely two years into his NFL profession, Gardner shall be 27 in 2028.
Patrick Surtain II | Cornerback | Denver Broncos
With Surtain on the alternative aspect of the sector of Gardner, opposing offenses will not be finishing plenty of passes. Surtain is much like Gardner in the best way that neither are ball hawks, however as a substitute lockdown backs. Surtain held opposing QBs to a completion proportion of slightly below 60, however the place he really strives is close to the aim line, as he solely allowed three touchdowns final season. In 2028, Surtain shall be 28, offering a extra veteran presence to the group.
Fred Warner | Security (Linebacker) | San Francisco 49ers
Initially, the roster mentioned two safeties, however this roster would profit significantly from including Warner. Warner is an incredible protection linebacker and could be the right participant to include opposing operating backs. Every year, Warner is close to the highest in tackles as he averaged 82 tackles and grabbed 4 interceptions final season. By 2028, Warner will present a much-needed veteran presence to this roster at 31.
Antoine Winfield Jr. | Security | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Winfield could also be final on the checklist, however actually not the least. He’ll maintain down the again finish of the protection because the group’s solely security. This group will try with Warner protecting the center of the sector whereas Winfield covers the second stage. Winfield has a knack for inflicting turnovers as he had three interceptions final season to go together with six pressured fumbles. With out worrying about making tackles, Winfield can deal with punching the ball unfastened. Within the 2028 Olympics, Winfield will solely be 29.