Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has set his sights on representing Canada in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, reigniting a childhood dream after emerging as a breakout NFL star.
From backup to bell cow
Hubbard, 25, transitioned from a little-known backup to a focal point of Carolina’s offense after the team traded Christian McCaffrey in 2022. Last season, he rushed for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns, cementing his role as a franchise cornerstone.
Olympic dreams reignited
Before football, Hubbard excelled in track, once telling his high school coach he aimed to compete in the Olympics. Though football became his career, the NFL’s partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include flag football in 2028 has reopened that path. “Hell yeah!” Hubbard told ESPN when asked about representing Canada. “If they want me to become a part of it, it would be an honor.”
Path to Los Angeles 2028
Flag football’s faster pace and smaller rosters differ from the NFL, but Hubbard’s dual-sport background and Canadian citizenship position him as a strong candidate. Canada’s player pool is less crowded than USA’s, increasing his odds. The Panthers star emphasized his focus remains on thriving in the NFL but called the Olympic opportunity “a blessing.”
Balancing priorities
Hubbard’s 2028 participation hinges on his NFL career longevity and Canada’s selection process. At 29 during the Games, he’d need to maintain his current production—1,000+ rushing yards in three of his first four NFL seasons—to stay viable.
No formal commitments or roster decisions have been announced, but Hubbard’s enthusiasm underscores a growing trend of NFL stars eyeing Olympic glory.