Team USA Flag Football Star Demands Fair Shot at 2028 Olympics Amid NFL Influx

As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics draw closer, the inclusion of flag football has sparked excitement—and a bit of tension. NFL players have been greenlit to join Team USA’s flag football squad, a move that’s got everyone talking, from gridiron giants to the sport’s grassroots heroes. Leading the charge for the latter is Darrell Doucette III, the quarterback of the U.S. men’s national flag football team, which has dominated the world rankings and clinched five straight world championships.

Doucette’s not here to roll over. In a recent interview, he made it clear he wants him and his teammates, who’ve carried flag football to its global heights, to get a fair shot at Olympic glory. “We’ve worked hard to elevate this sport,” he said, pointing out how NFL stars jumping in feels like a sideline shove to the guys who’ve been in the trenches. He’s not wrong—flag football’s rise owes much to players like him, who’ve honed their craft far from the NFL spotlight.

Yet, Doucette’s got a team-first mindset. While he believes the current squad is gold-medal material, he’s open to competition. “If NFL players come in and outshine us, hats off,” he said, emphasizing the ultimate goal: representing the U.S. with pride. But don’t mistake his sportsmanship for lack of confidence. Last year, he stirred the pot by claiming he’s got a better “game IQ” for flag football than NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes. Bold? Sure. Unreasonable? Not entirely, given his track record.

The bigger picture here is opportunity. The NFL’s unanimous approval for players to compete in the Olympics is a game-changer, blending pro-level athleticism with a sport that’s accessible and fast-growing. But as the pros step in, Doucette’s plea is a reminder: don’t forget the pioneers who made flag football a global contender. The 2028 stage is set for a fascinating clash of talent—and a chance for Team USA to shine, whoever makes the cut.