Flag football is set to make its debut at the 2028 Olympics, and the participation decisions of top NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and Tyreek Hill are garnering attention. However, one player on the current United States men’s national football team, Darrell Doucette III, believes that the full-time flag football players should not automatically assume spots on the Olympic team. Doucette feels that it is disrespectful to the players who have helped grow the game to where it is today.
Doucette himself is eager for an opportunity to play flag football in the Olympics. He is listed as a quarterback and center on the United States men’s roster for the upcoming 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championship in Finland. Doucette has had success in previous tournaments, winning the 2021 edition in Jerusalem and leading his team to victory in the World Games and Americas Continental Flag Football Championship in 2023. In fact, he was named the MVP of the championship game against Mexico last year.
While flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics is exciting for the sport, it has also brought about a different type of spotlight. Alongside baseball, softball, lacrosse, and others, flag football will be a new addition to the Olympic lineup in Paris. Notable NFL players like Mahomes, Burrow, Hill, and Williams have expressed interest in participating, with Mahomes stating last November that he would “definitely want to” be a part of the event if possible. Even Jalen Hurts, an Eagles quarterback, was featured in a recent commercial for flag football, further fueling excitement.
However, Doucette believes that these NFL stars will have to earn their spots on the Olympic team. He argues that their names alone should not guarantee them a place on the roster. Doucette emphasizes that they will need to compete and prove themselves on the field. While Doucette acknowledges the star power and talent of these players, he maintains that the current national team members should be respected for their contributions to the growth of the game.
In conclusion, the anticipation surrounding flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics is growing, with top NFL stars expressing interest in participating. However, Darrell Doucette III, a player on the current United States men’s national football team, believes that these players should not automatically assume spots on the Olympic team. He argues that they must compete and earn their spots, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the players who have helped grow the game to its current stature. The competition for roster spots will undoubtedly be fierce as the sport makes its Olympic debut.
