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Cooper DeJean's Olympic dream may be over before it even begins. The Philadelphia Eagles cornerback is a strong candidate for Team USA at the Olympic Games. However, DeJean himself has warned that NFL teams could impose contractual restrictions to prevent their players from participating in Los Angeles 2028.
DeJean ed the Eagles as the 40th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and played as a slot cornerback during his rookie season, playing a key role in the team's Super Bowl LIX victory. The University of Iowa standout signed a $9.3 million contract, tying him to Philadelphia for four seasons.
In his debut campaign, the young cornerback recorded 51 tackles, six es defended, 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and five recoveries. His performance, age, and NFL experience make him a strong candidate for the Olympic team-but that dream faces a major obstacle.
Will NFL teams block their players?
The NFL has officially given its approval for players to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics flag football tournament. However, DeJean has pointed out that the situation may not be so straightforward.
"I don't know. I wonder if teams will allow their players to play in it," DeJean speculated on a recent episode of the Exciting Mics podcast.
"I know the NFL is allowing them, but do you think teams will start putting it in contracts, where players can't play in the Olympics?"
The 2028 Summer Games are scheduled from July 14 to 30 in Los Angeles, California. While that timeframe avoids direct conflict with the NFL's regular season, which begins in September, it could interfere with training camps-typically held in early July.
Olympic sports shake-up for 2028
Starting with Paris 2024, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) began incorporating host-country-favorite sports that lack widespread global recognition. In , breakdancing and rock climbing made their Olympic debuts.
For Los Angeles, the IOC has approved squash, the temporary return of baseball and softball, cricket, lacrosse, and flag football. The latter has sparked controversy, primarily surrounding the potential inclusion of NFL players.
The debate has gained momentum across social and mainstream media, with analysts and fans weighing in. Current Team USA flag football players are fighting to defend their spots, while several NFL stars have expressed interest in ing.
With the Olympics still three years away, the battle over player eligibility is only just beginning.