Darrell Doucette III, the quarterback for the U.S. men’s national flag football team, is calling for greater recognition and opportunity for his teammates as the NFL prepares to send its players to the 2028 Olympics. The NFL’s recent unanimous approval of player participation in flag football during the Los Angeles Games has sparked debate about the future of the sport’s national team. Doucette, who has already established himself as a key player on the Team USA squad, emphasized that the current team deserves a chance to compete, as their success over the past five years has solidified their position as world champions. He expressed frustration with the perceived sidelining of flag football players, stating that the sport has seen significant growth due to their efforts and that they should not be overlooked.
Doucette also voiced confidence in his team’s ability to win gold, while remaining open to competition from NFL participants. His comments come after he previously sparked controversy by claiming he outplays NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes in flag football due to his ‘IQ of the game.’ The issue now is whether the influx of professional players will disrupt the existing structure of the national team and its prospects for Olympic success. The NFL’s decision to allow its players to compete in the 2028 Games marks a significant shift in the sport’s landscape. While this could bring greater attention and resources to flag football, it also raises questions about the role of the existing national team.
The men’s national team has won the world championship five consecutive times, establishing their dominance in the sport. Doucette’s remarks highlight the tension between veteran flag football players and the potential influx of NFL talents. His frustration stems from the belief that the current team has been sidelined by the NFL’s involvement. Doucette’s comments reflect a broader debate within the sports community about balancing tradition and innovation in flag football. As the 2028 Olympics approach, the competition for spots on the Team USA flag football squad is set to intensify, with both existing players and NFL participants vying for a place on the podium.