Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III has withdrawn from the U.S. flag football team as the squad gears up for the sport’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The 36-year-old Heisman Trophy winner announced on Friday via X that he removed himself from the 2026 USA Football selection process because of a scheduling conflict.
“A commitment honoring our military veterans is preventing me from attending training camp and that’s not fair to the other 23 guys competing for a spot this year,” Griffin posted. “Looking forward to seeing the squad go to Germany and win Gold and still excited for LA28.”
In March, Griffin was one of four quarterbacks named to a 24-man training camp roster. The next camp is set for May 21-24 in Chula Vista, California.
The roster will be trimmed to a 12-man team that will represent the United States at the 16-team International Federation of American Flag Football World Championships from August 27-30 in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Since his last NFL appearance during the 2020 season, Griffin has worked as a football analyst for ESPN and Fox.
Selected second overall by Washington in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Baylor, Griffin earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season. Over 56 career NFL games (42 starts) with Washington (2012-14), the Cleveland Browns (2016), and the Baltimore Ravens (2018-20), he passed for 9,271 yards with 43 touchdowns and 30 interceptions, while also rushing for 1,809 yards and 10 touchdowns.
