NFL agent Sean Stellato has taken a major step toward representing Italy on the international stage. ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that Stellato has advanced to training camp with the Italian Men’s National Flag Football Team. He will report to the Italian Olympic Committee Headquarters in Rome next month to compete for a roster spot at the upcoming World Championship in Germany.26
The top-performing teams at that event can secure qualification for flag football’s debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Who Is Sean Stellato?
Sean Stellato is a well-known NFL sports agent and founder of Stellato Sports (also referred to as SES). The Massachusetts native, often called the “Italian Stallion” of agents, is recognized for his flamboyant fashion sense, signature fedoras, and strong embrace of his Italian-American heritage. He gained wider public attention while representing quarterback Tommy DeVito during DeVito’s breakout 2023 season with the New York Giants. Stellato continues to represent DeVito (now with the New England Patriots) along with other NFL clients such as Giants tight end Chris Manhertz.6
Before becoming an agent, Stellato played Division I football and basketball at Marist College and later competed in the Arena Football League’s developmental league (AF2). He has long balanced his agency work with community involvement, including running youth football camps.
Stellato’s Flag Football Journey
Stellato first made headlines in May 2026 when he traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark, for tryouts with the Italian national team. He expressed excitement about the chance to honor his Italian roots, saying he was grateful for the opportunity to potentially represent Italy that summer and beyond. After the initial tryout period, he continued progressing and has now earned a spot in the next training camp phase.6
In June, Stellato posted about representing Italy at the Copenhagen Bowl and emphasized the hard work and pride involved, noting that the journey was not over. The latest update from Schefter confirms he is moving forward toward the high-stakes selection process in Rome.
Path to the 2026 World Championship and 2028 Olympics
The 2026 IFAF Men’s Flag Football World Championship (also referred to in some reports as the World Games) is scheduled for August 13–16 in Düsseldorf, Germany. This tournament serves as a key Olympic qualifier. Strong results—particularly among the top teams—will help determine which nations advance toward the six-team Olympic field in Los Angeles in 2028.22
Flag football was added to the Olympic program for 2028 as one of the newer, faster-paced sports aimed at broader appeal. The non-contact version of American football features five players per side, emphasizing speed, agility, and strategy over physical tackling. Italy’s national program has been building its roster with a mix of experienced players and dual-citizenship or heritage athletes like Stellato.
Stellato will compete in Rome for one of the limited spots on the final World Championship roster. Making that team would put him in position to help Italy chase Olympic qualification and potentially step onto the field in Los Angeles in 2028.
Why This Story Resonates
Stellato’s pursuit highlights the growing global reach of flag football and the unique pathways it creates. An established NFL agent with prior playing experience is leveraging his athletic background and cultural ties for a shot at the Olympics. It also underscores the sport’s accessibility compared with traditional tackle football, opening doors for athletes outside conventional professional pipelines.
As training camp approaches in Rome and the August championship in Germany draws nearer, Stellato’s progress will be closely watched by both NFL circles and the expanding international flag football community. Whether he ultimately makes the final roster or not, his effort embodies the determination and heritage pride that have defined much of his public persona.
Fans interested in Olympic sports, NFL personalities, or the rise of flag football can follow updates on Stellato’s bid as the selection process intensifies in the coming weeks.