Brett Gosper’s Role in Bringing Flag Football to the Olympics

Brett Gosper, NFL’s head of Europe and Asia-Pacific, successfully championed flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics. With a rich background in advertising and sports, he emphasizes the importance of continued engagement in international markets while aiming for long-term recognition of flag football as an Olympic sport. The NFL plans significant expansion in overseas games, enhancing visibility and economic benefits for host cities.

Brett Gosper, an NFL executive and former advertising executive, has played a crucial role in promoting flag football for inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games. His advertising career began under the renowned David Ogilvy and spans three successful decades across several countries, where he developed slogans like “Don’t Crack Under Pressure” for TAG Heuer. Currently, as head of Europe and Asia-Pacific for the NFL, he utilizes his persuasive skills to advocate for the sport’s growth.

Gosper highlights his instrumental part in convincing the NFL’s leadership to support flag football’s Olympic bid, emphasizing teamwork throughout the process. He mentioned, “Everyone knew that it was an incredible cause, it would create a step change for the sport…” showcasing the collective commitment from the NFL’s top officials. His lifelong association with the Olympics further fuels his dedication, having a father who won a silver medal in 1956 and was a long-term IOC member.

In the 1980s, while working in advertising, Gosper also played semi-professional rugby in France, experiencing sports from both an athletic and administrative perspective. As CEO of World Rugby, he observed how Olympic participation transformed sports like rugby sevens. Now at the NFL, he aims to extend American football’s international footprint, leveraging insights from his Olympic experience to engage local audiences successfully.

The NFL reports that flag football boasts over 20 million players across 100 countries, providing a non-contact version of the sport suitable for youth engagement. Gosper asserts the sport’s potential within the Olympics, stating, “We feel that it’s definitely an Olympic sport, that it’s a long-term Olympic sport.” He envisions that the Olympics will mutually benefit both the sport and the Games by expanding accessibility and investment at grassroots and elite levels.

Since the pandemic, the NFL has expanded into new territories, recently including Germany in its international slate of games. Notably, their partnership with local clubs in stadiums such as Tottenham and Bayern Munich enhances their visibility and connection to existing fanbases. Gosper emphasizes the importance of sustaining engagement in these markets beyond singular events.

Looking ahead, 2025 will be pivotal as the NFL increases its overseas matches to eight per year, driving heightened interest and visibility for host cities. He explains the economic benefits of hosting NFL games, suggesting that they generate more substantial media impact than iconic events like Wimbledon or The Open. Gosper also notes that expanding viewing windows in Europe is a crucial strategy for engaging both local and U.S. audiences effectively.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com