Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III is embarking on an ambitious new athletic journey, trading his helmet for flags as he pursues Olympic glory in flag football.
In an exclusive interview, the 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year revealed his complete dedication to the non-contact version of America's favorite sport, declaring his intention to compete for Team USA at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
"I've fully caught the flag football bug," Griffin told reporters. "My eyes are set on Olympic gold."
The former Washington Redskins star, who was selected second overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, has been training rigorously with the national team ahead of the IFAF World Championship in Düsseldorf, Germany this August. Only twelve athletes will earn spots on the American roster for the international competition, and Griffin is determined to secure one of those coveted positions.
Despite his professional football pedigree, Griffin acknowledges that flag football requires a distinct skill set. He recently participated in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, where he gained firsthand experience of the sport's unique demands.
"The attention to minor detail really shines through when you compare tackle and flag football," Griffin explained. "It's a different game that requires different preparation."
The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner emphasized his humble approach to the new challenge, stating he hopes to learn from veteran flag football players rather than overshadow them.
"I'm going into this experience as humble as can be," Griffin said. "I want to learn from the guys who paved the way and use my talents to help them, not take their spots."
Griffin's training regimen has reportedly impressed coaches and teammates alike, with the former NFL star committing to intensive two-a-day workouts as he prepares for international competition.
If successful in Germany this summer, Griffin would then turn his full attention to representing the United States on home soil when flag football makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
This transition marks a significant chapter in Griffin's athletic career, which saw him earn Pro Bowl honors as a rookie before injuries hampered his NFL trajectory. Now, at 36, he's embracing a new challenge that could culminate in Olympic competition just two years from now.