NFL flag football players aim to dismantle the 'we versus them' mentality by collaborating with the league
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FLAG FOOTBALL IN THE OLYMPICS: NFL STARS TAKE INTEREST, BUT MERIT-BASED SELECTION REMAINS CRUCIAL
The world of flag football is buzzing in anticipation as the 2028 Olympics approach, with the sport set to make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles. The transition from backyard games to the global stage has brought excitement and a sense of legitimacy to this dynamic sport, but with the inclusion of high-profile NFL stars, the competition to secure a spot on the Olympic roster promises to be intense.
Darrell "Housh" Doucette, a U.S. flag football standout, is among those eager to share his sport with the world. In a viral interview, he proclaimed his superiority in flag football over NFL sensation Patrick Mahomes. However, Doucette clarified that his statement aimed to highlight the potential of flag football rather than issue any challenges.
The road to Olympic glory remains challenging for flag football players, regardless of their NFL background. Callie Brownson, USA Football's senior director of high performance and national team operations, reassures us that "it's not your mom's flag football anymore." Athletes from around the globe—from youth to senior national teams—are honing their skills, with more than 750 athletes convening at Dignity Health Sports Park last weekend for a prelude to the Olympic future.
The growth of flag football, both domestically and internationally, is attributed to significant investment from the NFL. With the league's approval, NFL players are eligible to participate in the Olympics. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has already expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating that he would "absolutely love" to take part if given the chance.
Doucette welcomes the prospect of NFL players joining the flag football circuit, viewing it as an opportunity for collaboration rather than competition. He emphasizes that both parties can learn from each other, with flag football offering the unique opportunity for NFL players to enhance their route-running and coverage skills.
However, the integration of NFL players into the tryout process for the 2028 Olympic cycle remains to be determined. The mixed timing of games and NFL training camps may present challenges in terms of preparation and scheduling. Regardless, USA Football is committed to maintaining an open and fair selection process, with all athletes—NFL stars included—contending on equal footing under their assigned numbers rather than their celebrity status.
As the 2028 Olympics approach, the competition in flag football is set to reach new heights. While Doucette may not make it onto the Olympic roster, he remains hopeful that his sport will capture the world's attention and inspire the next generation of flag football enthusiasts. After all, as Krouch, a multi-time gold medalist and flag football luminary, so eloquently puts it: "We ballet dance. It's finesse, it's clean, it's creative."
- The growth of flag football, in preparation for the Olympics in 2028, has sparked interest from high-profile athletes in American football, especially from the NFL, such as Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
- Education in flag football techniques is crucial for NFL players wanting to enhance their route-running and coverage skills, as illustrated by Darrell "Housh" Doucette's invitation for NFL stars to collaborate rather than compete in the flag football circuit.
- Despite the inclusion of NFL stars in the flag football scene, a merit-based selection process remains in place for the 2028 Olympics, ensuring that all athletes, regardless of their celebrity status, compete on equal footing under their assigned numbers.
