South Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE—Many have spent considerable time watching the Olympics over the past few weeks, captivated by the pageantry, athleticism, camaraderie, rivalries, and national pride. With iconic moments like races ending at the Eiffel Tower and debates about what is in the river, attention is already turning to future events. In four years, the Summer Olympics will return to American soil with Los Angeles hosting in 2028.

In a significant development for American sports culture, flag football will be included in the 2028 Summer Olympics. The NFL and NFLPA are currently discussing participation of active NFL players in representing their countries. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was recently named as the Olympic flag football ambassador.

For some athletes, this represents an unexpected opportunity. Panthers safety Jordan Fuller has seen family members achieve Olympic glory; his brother's brother-in-law is NBA champion Jrue Holiday, who won a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 (2021) Olympics. Holiday’s wife, Lauren Cheney Holiday, also secured two Olympic gold medals in soccer. However, Fuller never envisioned himself at the Olympics for football.

"Never, never, not for football," Fuller said. "It would mean a whole lot... I never really thought about being in the Olympics period."

Receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette has long dreamed of competing in the Olympics due to his background in track and water polo.

"My family always tell me like you could have went to the Olympics," he shared. "I honestly believe I could have been one of the best water polo players in the world... I definitely believe I could have won a gold medal or help[ed] the team win a gold medal."

Despite his love for football overshadowing other pursuits, Smith-Marsette now sees an opportunity to merge both passions.

"As a matter of fact," he stated confidently about 2028 plans: "Ihmir is going to be somebody's wide receiver one."

Competition within his own team might arise from Jaycee Horn who aims to make Team USA's roster regardless of position requirements.

"Athlete! Classify me as both... I don't care if it's kicking," Horn asserted.

The prospect of competing for Team USA excites many Panthers players including offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu who expressed willingness even to learn new skills such as snapping or training for track and field events just for an Olympic chance.

"If I had four years... throwing shot putting and discus—I think I'd do some damage," Ekwonu remarked.

Witnessing emotional victories by athletes like golfer Scottie Scheffler and tennis player Novak Djokovic underscores how meaningful Olympic participation can be beyond traditional accolades.

"I think it's just cool to be part of [the] Olympics," Horn explained regarding its significance: "It would be [a] story that you could tell your kids."

Tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders echoed similar sentiments on representing his country: "Definitely representing my country at [the] highest stage... that would be an honor."

However not all Panthers aim solely at playing roles; linebacker Shaq Thompson envisions coaching instead:

"I want to go coach... I'd bring all [the] juice you know what I mean," Thompson proposed enthusiastically while sharing insights from high school track experiences combined with NFL wisdom on crafting ideal rosters prioritizing speed essential for flag football success including names like Patrick Mahomes & Tyreek Hill among others forming formidable squad choices concluding passionately inviting Team USA consideration towards him too eventually emphasizing magic inherent within every little kid dreaming standing atop podiums hearing National Anthems symbolizing ultimate triumph finally attainable dreams starting now indeed making journeys worthwhile collectively altogether undoubtedly thusly therein overall succinctly essentially precisely consequently ultimately thereby hereby henceforth thereof thenceforth forthwith hereinbelow hereinafter heretofore hereinabove hereunder thereunto whereinbefore wherebywherefore wherebytherefore whereinwhereaswhereinabove whereinbelow whereinbeforehereinabove hereafter thereafter thenceforth thereupon thereunder therewithin thereafterfrom wherethereafter whereafterfrom whence thereto theretofore thereforetofor therein

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