Cam Bynum Believes the Philippines Can Qualify for Flag Football in the 2028 Olympics

Charles Joseph Ingal • Posted on February 26, 2025 • diskurso.ph

Fil-Am NFL star Cam Bynum of the Minnesota Vikings believes the Philippines has great potential to compete in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. To promote the sport, he launched Camp Beezy Elite, a high-level training camp for aspiring football players in the Philippines and across Asia.

Through Camp Beezy, 75 players from different parts of Asia underwent intensive training, experiencing “a day in the life of an NFL player.” The program focused on fundamentals, techniques, and strategies to reach an international level.

Bynum’s main goal is to help the Philippines develop a competitive flag football team for the 2028 Olympics. More than just a training camp, this initiative aims to expand football’s reach in the Philippines and Asia and elevate the sport to a higher level.

During an interview at Buglas Isla Café in Alabang, Muntinlupa, he shared his vision:
“The first thing we did was, okay, how do we get the players, especially here in the Philippines because that’s home, and really spread football through all of Asia to really build up the entire Asian football community? Because there’s not a lot of people. It’s a smaller community, but it’s a strong community.”

He added, “I think just the confidence is there, and I just think we need to continue to push the training process and make sure that we’re developing players enough to be able to play in the Olympics. We know that the Philippines will be in the Olympics moving forward too.”

Bynum strongly believes that the work ethic and dedication of Filipinos will help them reach the Olympics. “I think we’re for sure going to be able to bring a flag football team to the LA Olympics in 2028, solely off the fact that everybody works so hard and is so eager to learn,” he said.

His training programs continue to grow with the support of RIESA Management Inc., which backs his football advocacy. RIESA COO Anthony Raymond believes that Filipinos’ natural speed, agility, and quickness make them ideal for flag football. “I believe our physical attributes—our quickness, our speed, our agility—would thrive in the sport,” he said. However, he emphasized the need for proper coaching, fundamentals, and education about the game for the Philippines to succeed on the world stage.

As part of his advocacy, Bynum also brings other NFL players to the Philippines to help with training and mentorship. “We can come and serve people in other countries and do things bigger than football, but also be able to show the people in the community that there are players in the NFL that really care about growing football worldwide, even if they’re not Filipino,” he shared.

Beyond football, Bynum wants to make Filipinos feel valued. “I just think it’s important to let people know that they’re being seen and that this community is important,” he added. For him, grassroots development is not just about strengthening the sport but also about building a stronger, more united community.

As the 2028 Olympics approaches, the Philippines continues its journey to gain recognition in flag football. With the support of Bynum, RIESA, and other NFL players, the day may come when we see the Philippines competing on the Olympic stage, ready to take on the world’s best.