NFL players are now eligible to join Team USA as flag football prepares for its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. However, Darrell Doucette, a seasoned quarterback for the U.S. flag football team, emphasizes that not just any NFL star will effortlessly secure a place on the Olympic roster.
In a recent interview with the Washington Post, Doucette voiced his concerns, stressing that his team’s dedicated players deserve an opportunity to compete for their spots. “We felt like we worked hard to get the sport to where it’s at, and then when the NFL guys spoke about it, it was like we were getting kicked to the side,” Doucette explained. His commitment to the sport and his teammates prompted him to speak out, advocating for the recognition and respect owed to those who have been instrumental in advancing flag football.
With nearly a decade of experience holding the quarterback position and multiple world championships under his belt, Doucette has been a notable figure in this sport’s development. As soon as the Olympic inclusion of flag football was announced, he addressed the challenges posed by NFL players assuming they could automatically join the U.S. team without prior involvement in the sport. “They didn’t help grow this game to get to the Olympics… give the guys who helped this game get to where it’s at their respect,” he argued.
Flag football is one of seven new sports for the upcoming Olympic Games, and while the NFL has given players the green light to pursue participation, the process is highly competitive. Doucette clarified that flag football and tackle football are fundamentally different, highlighting the skills unique to flag that NFL players may need to adapt to, such as evading flag pulls rather than engaging in physical tackles.
USA Football, the organization overseeing the flag football team, supports Doucette’s viewpoint by recognizing the expertise of long-time flag players. CEO Scott Hallenbeck noted that the inclusion of NFL players will expand the talent pool for selections rather than limit it.
In a spirit of camaraderie, Doucette expressed that he would support anyone who earns their spot on the team. This open approach underscores an environment of collaboration within the expanding world of flag football, which could potentially lead to a brighter future for the sport as it gains visibility on such a significant global stage.
The Olympic spotlight could elevate flag football, making it a promising endeavor for both veteran players and new entrants, fostering excitement for the upcoming games.