Flag football is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, and while NFL stars are eager to don the USA jersey, veteran flag football quarterback Darrell Doucette believes the sport’s established players deserve recognition.
“I think it’s disrespectful that they just automatically assume that they’re able to just join the Olympic team because of the person that they are,” Doucette expressed. “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.”
Doucette, 35, has been instrumental in elevating flag football on the international stage. He led the USA to gold at the 2022 World Games and was named Most Valuable Player after securing victory at the 2023 Americas Continental Flag Football Championship.
The excitement around flag football’s Olympic inclusion has caught the attention of prominent NFL players. The NFL posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) in early August, featuring a video of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. International Federation of American Football president Pierre Trochet has named Hurts as a flag football global ambassador.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams have both shown interest in representing the USA in flag football at the Olympics. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill even suggested assembling a “Dream Team” of NFL talent, reminiscent of the NBA players who dominated the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Nevertheless, Doucette remains confident in the abilities of the current flag football athletes. “We just don’t think they’re going to be able to walk on the field and make the Olympic team because of the name, right?” he said. “They still have to go out there and compete.”
As anticipation builds for the 2028 Games, the question remains: Will NFL stars seamlessly transition into the flag football arena, or will seasoned players like Doucette continue to shine on the global stage?
Reference(s):
Flag football QB expects to compete with NFL players for Olympic spots
cgtn.com
