Ex-NFL QB Robert Griffin III leaves USA flag football team

Field Level Media|published: Sat 9th May, 12:42 2026

Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; ESPN college football and NFL analyst Robert Griffin III reacts on the sidelines before a 2024 AFC divisional round game between the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III is no longer part of the U.S. flag football team as it prepares for the sport's Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.

The 36-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner announced Friday on X that he had removed himself from the 2026 USA Football selection process due to 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 scheduled for May 21-24 in Chula Vista, Calif.

The roster will be pared down to a 12-man squad that will represent the United States at the 16-team International Federation of American Flag Football World Championships from Aug. 27-30 at Dusseldorf, Germany.

Since last playing in the NFL during the 2020 season, Griffin has worked as a football analyst for ESPN and Fox.

The No. 2 overall pick 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 2012. He passed for 9,271 yards with 43 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in 56 career NFL games (42 starts) with Washington (2012-14), the Cleveland Browns (2016) and the Baltimore Ravens (2018-20). He also rushed for 1,809 yards and 10 scores.

--Field Level Media