After failing to secure a contract as a CFL free agent in 2023, quarterback Michael O’Connor believed his football career had come to an end. Fast forward three years, the 30-year-old athlete from Ottawa is now pursuing an Olympic aspiration.
O’Connor has played a pivotal role in propelling Canada’s men’s flag football team to the brink of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The opportunity for Canada to secure its ticket to California this summer and participate in the sport’s debut at the Olympics is within reach.
Expressing his thoughts on the matter, O’Connor recently stated, “Our primary focus is on the next steps and how we can enhance our performance. However, I would be dishonest if I said I haven’t pondered the idea of playing and potentially winning a medal at the Olympics. It’s something I never envisioned as a possibility.”
A top-two finish at the upcoming world championships in Germany would secure Canada’s participation in the Los Angeles Olympics. In the scenario where the United States advance to the final, the second- and third-place teams will also earn Olympic berths due to the U.S. already being guaranteed a spot as the host nation.
Last summer, Canada clinched qualification for the world event by claiming the bronze medal at the IFAF Americas Flag Football Continental Championship in Panama. Despite adverse weather conditions leading to the cancellation of the gold-medal match, Canada’s performance paved the way for their current journey.
Reflecting on their progress, O’Connor remarked, “While we finished third last year in Panama, I believe we have made significant advancements since then. We have refined our play strategies and field positioning preferences. We are eager to return to the global stage and demonstrate our growth as a team.”
Standing at six-foot-four and weighing 230 pounds, O’Connor commenced his collegiate football career at Penn State in 2014 before transferring to the University of British Columbia. His achievements include guiding the Thunderbirds to a Vanier Cup victory in 2015 and being drafted in the third round, No. 20 overall, by the Toronto Argonauts in 2019.
With the CFL and NFL permitting their players to participate in the ’28 Games, the competition for roster spots is expected to intensify. Notably, B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, a standout performer in the CFL last season, is actively engaging in recreational flag football to enhance his skills in preparation for potential Olympic selection.
Should Canada secure qualification for the 2028 Olympics, the roster selection process will witness stiff competition among top Canadian quarterbacks like Tre Ford, Kurtis Rourke, and Taylor Elgersma. Despite the challenges, O’Connor remains focused on contributing to the team’s success and cherishing the newfound opportunity in his sporting journey.