Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has kept his Olympic aspirations alive as the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles approach. Before rising as an NFL star, the Canadian athlete was a standout track competitor with hopes of earning Olympic gold. With flag football included in the upcoming Olympics, Hubbard’s childhood dream is renewed.
When asked about representing Canada in the 2028 Games, Hubbard replied enthusiastically, “Hell yeah!” He added,
I don’t know the process or anything, but I plan to still be in this league and thrive in 2028. So, if they want me to become a part of it, it would be an honor.
From NFL Draft Pick to Panthers’ Leading Running Back
Selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by Carolina, Hubbard has developed into the team’s leading running back after Christian McCaffrey’s trade to the San Francisco 49ers. His leadership in the backfield has become evident both on and off the field.
Panthers coach Dave Canales praised Hubbard’s influence, saying,
He sets a standard for [the running back] room and certainly for the offense, even in the walk-throughs,
continuing,
He knows what we’re looking for and how we want it to feel, and so he just kind of champions the cause.
Blending Track Speed with Football Training
Hubbard’s commitment to improvement is modeled after his days as a track star in Edmonton, Alberta, where he broke Canadian sprinting records. As a member of the Edmonton Olympic Track and Field Club, he competed internationally, including representing Canada in the 100 meters at the World Youth Championships with a personal best of 10.55 seconds. He recently maintained this dedication by staying after team workouts for extra drills with a Panthers assistant coach.
Challenges Ahead to Join Team Canada in Flag Football
The opportunity to compete for Canada in the Olympics will be highly competitive, as the flag football roster may include elite players from the CFL along with Canadian-born NFL athletes. Still, Hubbard remains confident about his chance to prove himself on the national stage.
Facing Competition in Carolina’s Backfield
As Hubbard prepares for the future, he contends with growing competition within the Panthers’ running back group. The team added former Dallas Cowboys player Rico Dowdle and drafted Georgia’s Trevor Etienne. Meanwhile, Jonathon Brooks will miss the coming season due to an ACL injury.
The Road Forward for Hubbard and His 2028 Olympic Goal
Chuba Hubbard’s journey, bridging elite track success and NFL achievement, reflects his focused determination to again seize the Olympic dream. With flag football’s Olympic debut on the horizon and his proven leadership for the Panthers, Hubbard’s desire to represent Canada remains strong. As the 2028 Games near, his progress in both football and preparation could place him among the nation’s top candidates for this historic Olympic event.