Rallying Around the Flag: How NFL Players Are Powering Ghana’s ‘Road to LA28’ Olympic Dream

When flag football was officially added to the Olympic program for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, it was a landmark moment for a sport long overlooked on the global stage. While many countries have only recently begun investing in the sport, Ghana is emerging as one of the most compelling stories in the Olympic build-up—thanks in large part to the influence and support of NFL players who trace their roots to the West African nation. Now, as the world turns its eyes to LA28, Ghana’s flag football team isn’t just aiming for participation—it’s dreaming of the podium, and the NFL is playing a significant role in making that dream a reality.

At the heart of this movement is a growing number of Ghanaian-American NFL stars who are leveraging their platforms, experience, and resources to help develop the sport in Ghana from the grassroots up. These players, proud of their heritage and passionate about the opportunity to uplift the next generation, have become ambassadors for Ghana’s Olympic flag football project. Their mission is simple yet powerful: introduce the sport, empower young athletes, and build a competitive national program capable of representing the black star with pride and purpose.

Among the most vocal supporters is Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who has become a beacon of hope and energy for Ghana’s burgeoning flag football scene. Known for his explosive style of play in the NFL, Owusu-Koramoah has taken an equally aggressive approach off the field—partnering with development programs, conducting youth camps in Accra, and working with the Ghana American Football Federation (GAFF) to build a sustainable pathway to Olympic qualification.

His involvement is deeply personal. “Football gave me a purpose and a platform,” he said in a recent interview. “Now I want to give that same opportunity to kids in Ghana. Flag football is our vehicle to something bigger—it’s about national pride, unity, and believing we belong on the world stage.”

Ghana’s road to LA28 is part passion project, part national movement. The foundation was laid in 2022 when GAFF began organizing local flag football competitions across various regions of the country. With guidance from international coaches and support from diaspora athletes, the program quickly expanded. What started as a grassroots initiative has now grown into a legitimate national team, complete with structured tryouts, training camps, and even international friendlies.

That growth has been accelerated by NFL players of Ghanaian descent who have rallied behind the cause. In addition to Owusu-Koramoah, players like Emmanuel Ogbah (Miami Dolphins), Kwity Paye (Indianapolis Colts), and David Agbona (a prospect and community ambassador) have all expressed support, donated equipment, and promoted awareness. Their message is clear: Ghana has the athletic talent, cultural pride, and competitive fire to be a flag football powerhouse—now it’s time to put it all together.

NFL support has extended beyond moral backing. Through the league’s NFL Africa initiative, which launched official programs in Nigeria and Ghana in recent years, aspiring athletes are being given more access to football-related training, coaching clinics, and scouting opportunities. This has created a pipeline that benefits not only the traditional tackle game but also provides a foundation for flag football development.

Flag football, with its fast pace and lower barriers to entry, is particularly well-suited for growth in Ghana. Unlike tackle football, it doesn’t require extensive equipment or high-cost infrastructure. It emphasizes agility, speed, and coordination—traits in abundance among Ghanaian youth athletes, many of whom already excel in sports like soccer, track and field, and rugby. This natural athleticism, when paired with structured coaching and international exposure, has produced an impressive early talent pool.

One such emerging star is 20-year-old Reuben Asare, a former high school sprinter from Kumasi who transitioned to flag football in 2023. After attending a camp led by Owusu-Koramoah’s team, Asare quickly adapted to the quarterback role and became a standout at Ghana’s national trials. Now considered one of the leading faces of the program, Asare dreams of not just playing in LA28—but winning.

“We have heart,” Asare said. “We may not have all the resources yet, but we believe in ourselves. We train every day with one goal—to wear the Ghana jersey and shock the world.”

The belief in Ghana’s flag football potential has started to echo far beyond West Africa. In January 2024, the country participated in a regional West African Flag Football Invitational, finishing second behind Nigeria but showcasing flashes of brilliance and raw talent. The event drew attention from Olympic scouts, international media, and sponsors alike. More importantly, it reinforced what many already suspected: Ghana is not just participating—it’s competing.

Ghana’s Olympic ambition is not limited to performance on the field. It’s about using sport as a platform for broader national empowerment. Through flag football, organizers are promoting education, gender equality, and youth engagement. Women’s flag football has also taken root, with the national women’s team forming in 2023 and now training alongside the men’s squad in joint development programs. The aim is for both teams to qualify for LA28—a feat that would mark a historic double debut.

For Jerry Aidoo, the president of GAFF, the vision is holistic. “We want to do more than qualify,” he said. “We want to inspire. Flag football is a tool for unity, for discipline, for opportunity. It’s not just about medals—it’s about changing lives.”

There are, of course, challenges ahead. Funding remains a critical issue. While NFL stars and diaspora communities have provided much-needed support, the program still lacks consistent government backing and large-scale sponsorships. Infrastructure, while improving, is not yet on par with more established football nations. And while enthusiasm is high, experience on the international stage remains limited.

Despite these hurdles, the momentum is undeniable. The countdown to LA28 has begun, and Ghana’s flag football movement is gathering speed. With camps planned in multiple cities, a youth league launching later this year, and a growing global network of supporters, the foundation is being laid for a breakthrough.

Back in the U.S., the story is also resonating with fans and analysts. Many are fascinated by the cultural bridge being built between the NFL and Ghanaian grassroots sports. Commentators have praised the initiative for its creativity and ambition. NFL players have taken to social media to highlight the efforts of their Ghanaian peers and have pledged continued support as the journey unfolds.

In a world where sport is increasingly global, Ghana’s flag football story is both timely and inspiring. It’s a testament to what’s possible when heritage, ambition, and community converge. And it’s a reminder that the Olympic dream, once considered far-fetched, is now firmly within reach for a small but mighty football nation.

As the Black Stars prepare to chart their course to LA28, they do so with the full backing of their diaspora heroes and a growing chorus of believers. In the words of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah: “We’re not just rallying around a flag. We’re rallying around a future.”