Darrell Green
Commanders legend Darrell Green.
Washington Commanders legendary cornerback Darrell Green is attempting a feat that few men his age would attempt. The 66-year-old Hall of Fame defender tried out for the first round of trials for the 2028 US Olympic flag football team. He made the first round of cuts. Former teammate Brian Mitchell, co-host of the “BMitch and Finlay” radio show, details the prospects for his former teammate.
“His speed is still very, very good. He’s 66. He just turned 66 last month.
He can outrun some young dudes that’re playing in the league right now.”
At 50 years old, he posted a video of his timed 40-yard dash at 4.43 seconds. Then, a decade later, he posted a video of his 4.7-second run. While that may not automatically qualify him for the team, his similar speed to many of his contemporaries could work in his favor. Based on raw athletic data, Green advanced through the first round of cuts.
Your reminder that Darrell Green is an absolute beast#RaiseHail
🎥: @Ol_TimeFootball
pic.twitter.com/sdnRZxAGx4
— SleeperCommanders (@SleeperWSH) February 15, 2026
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Green’s Attempts are Personal, not Publicity-Related
Mitchell insists that the Commanders’ legend is attempting this for himself, not for attention.
“No. It’s probably something he saw he had an opportunity for, and as he stated, ‘If I make it, I make it. If I don’t, at least I try it.’ Something he wanted to try out for. You know, Darrell could have probably gone to the Olympics, for running, back in the day; he chose to go in the NFL and didn’t go to the Olympics.”
Darrell Green
GettyCommanders legend Darrell Green during the 2024 NFL Draft
Roster Challenges Provide Obstacles
Aside from Green’s athleticism, his attempt to make the team could run into a roadblock. Team USA will only contain 12 open spots. In essence, Green will need to earn consideration as one of the 12 best flag football players in the United States. The odds seem long. Additionally, many of his competitors play regularly in flag football. The Commanders great will step into a new arena that he probably played in his prime. Yet, earned support from an unlikely source.
Jalen Hurts throws a Pick 6 to the non-NFL flag football players too! 😭 pic.twitter.com/3ExuSW5Zhr
— Underdog (@Underdog) March 21, 2026
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USA Flag Director Touts Green’s Early Tryout Success
While Green will battle the odds, he has apparently earned the respect of a decision-maker. Callie Brownson, the senior director of performance and national teams for USA Football, praised Green, lending credibility to his pursuit.
“Darrell qualified through our digital combine. He’s later in his career than the other trial participants, but his testing results were impressive. Our coaches and staff felt he deserved a closer look. … He’s a rare athlete who has stayed in shape and is ready to compete this week.”
The fact that green made the first round of cuts after retirement age earned respect. However, making the team is a totally different story. Yet, he seems undeterred and continues to open eyes. Younger fans may forget that Green is, according to many, the best cornerback in Washington history.
Darrell Green
GettyCommanders legend Darrell Green.
A review of his numbers attests that fact. First, Green played 20 seasons in Washington. He was the starter for 18 of those seasons. The former first-round pick of the 1983 NFL Draft recorded 54 interceptions, six of which he returned for touchdowns. Plus, he accounted for 1,202 tackles, ten fumble recoveries, and six forced fumbles.
Green was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. He played the most games in Commanders history, with 295.
Darrell Green
GettyCommanders legend Darrell Green at his 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.