Caitlin Clark, the rising star of women's basketball and the newest face of the Indiana Fever, recently sparked excitement about possibly trying her hand at a second sport—flag football—at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Appearing at the NFL’s annual meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, Clark shared the stage with tennis icon Serena Williams during a panel discussion. While reflecting on their athletic paths, Clark jokingly floated the idea of representing Team USA in flag football.
“I remember going to my brother’s football games, and it was like, ‘Why can’t I play football?’ I would have played it; I would have loved it,” said Clark. When Williams responded, “You would have been great at it,” Clark quipped, “Maybe L.A. 2028, maybe I’ll do two sports. Or if basketball doesn’t work out, I’ll head over to flag football.”
The lighthearted comment drew plenty of laughter—but also ignited speculation about her potential crossover.
No Special Treatment, Says USA Football
As the buzz grew, USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck addressed the idea with enthusiasm—but also with a firm reminder of protocol.
“USA Football is going to assemble the best possible team for the Los Angeles Olympics, and crossover athletes have already proven they can compete in flag at the highest levels," Hallenbeck told TMZ. “That said, there’s a process, and each player will have to earn their spot for LA28.”
Even an athlete of Clark’s stature would have to go through the official tryouts and prove her abilities on the field—no exceptions.
A Crossover Icon in the Making
At just 23, Clark has become one of the most influential figures in women’s sports. She propelled the Iowa Hawkeyes to unprecedented TV ratings during the NCAA Tournament and is now one of the WNBA’s most anticipated rookies. She’s set to debut with the Indiana Fever on May 17 in a marquee matchup against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who personally invited Clark to speak at the league summit, praised her contribution. “She’s already an ico
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who personally invited Clark to speak at the league summit, praised her contribution. “She’s already an icon at a very young age… her perspective, along with Serena’s, was incredibly valuable for our ownership to learn from,” Goodell said.