U.S. to play Mexico in flag football during Super Bowl week

After NFL stars showcase their talents in a flag football game as part of Pro Bowl festivities next month, Team USA will clash with rival Mexico as a precursor to the sport's Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The Pro Bowl games, now scheduled during Super Bowl week, will take place in San Francisco with NFL players competing on Feb. 3. Two days later, the U.S.-Mexico exhibition at the Moscone Center is expected to attract more attention to the sport, which was added to the Olympics in October 2023.

In the 2028 Games, former or current NFL players might join current flag football stars on the team rosters. USA Football oversees the selection and training of both the men's and women's Olympic teams.

"The opportunity to have NFL players join our elite talent pathway leading up to the LA28 Olympics is exciting for athletes and fans alike," USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck said Tuesday in a statement. "We have one goal for the Olympics, and that's to win the men's and women's gold medals. Support and interest from elite athletes across the sports world only strengthens our chances of success as we seek to build the best teams possible."

Though the Team USA-Mexico matchup is considered a "friendly," both teams are adamant that their players will give it their all for bragging rights. The countries were slated to compete in the gold medal match at the IFAF Americas Continental Championship last September in Panama, but the event was canceled due to severe weather.

"This matchup is overdue. Our guys want it, and I'm sure Team Mexico does, too," Team USA quarterback Darrell "Housh" Doucette III said. "We plan to approach this exhibition with the same preparation and intensity as a regular game. This is a dream opportunity to showcase the sport we all love while at the center of football's biggest stage."

"This opportunity that both teams are going to have is incredible," said defensive back Ramon Alonso Gaxiola, who is also Mexico's captain. "Playing a final is something we have always dreamed of."