At least one long-time flag football player doesn’t want NFL stars representing the United States at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Quarterback Darrell Doucette III said NFL players should stick to tackle football.
“This is a sport that we’ve played for a long time, and we feel like we are the best at it,” he told the Washington Post. “We don’t need other guys.”
Doucette has never lost an international game as the U.S. signal-caller. The 35-year-old has won four straight international titles for America and noted that NFL players should have to earn their spot in the Olympics.
“But we all have one goal in mind, and that’s to represent our country. We’re definitely open to all competition,” Doucette said. “If those guys come in and ball out and they’re better than us, hats off to them. Go win that gold medal for our country.”
Several NFL players have said they’d try to make the Olympic team. NFL owners approved guidelines last week that would allow players — one from each of the league’s 32 teams — to participate in the Olympics. The NFL athletes would still have to be selected.
If Doucette has any say, stars like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill would stay home. The flag footballer raised eyebrows last summer when he said he’s a better quarterback than Mahomes, a two-time MVP.
“It’s entirely two different games,” Doucette said. “You can’t really compare flag football and tackle football.”
USA Football has not said what the selection process will look like. For now, it’s unclear whether Doucette will be able to hold onto his roster spot with the influx of NFL passers.