QB for USA flag football declares NFL stars shouldn’t be given automatic spots for the 2028 Olympics: ‘Disrespectful’
Flag football is set to be featured for the first time as an Olympic event in Los Angeles in 2028, and many NFL players are eager to be part of Team USA.
Members of the current United States flag football team—which has clinched victory in the last four IFAF Flag Football World Championships and is preparing to defend its title soon—were displeased by a commercial aired during the Paris Olympics that highlighted Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts promoting the sport.
Darrell “Housh” Doucette, the quarterback for the U.S. flag football team, stated he won’t give up his position easily.
“It’s disrespectful to think they can just walk onto the Olympic team based solely on their fame—they didn’t contribute to the growth of this sport that earned its place in the Olympics,” Doucette told The Guardian. “The athletes who have played a role in advancing this sport deserve recognition and respect.”
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Chicago Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams have both shown interest in participating in the Olympics.
Doucette expressed confidence that he and his teammates could compete effectively against the best players from the NFL, emphasizing the distinction between traditional 11-on-11 football and capturing a player with a flag on their hip.
“Certain NFL strategies and trick plays? We see those regularly and know how to handle them,” Doucette remarked.