Tue May 27 07:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Flag Football Star Warns NFL Players: Olympic Spot Not Guaranteed**

LOS ANGELES – With flag football making its Olympic debut in 2028, NFL players are now eligible to join Team USA. However, Darrell Doucette, the U.S. flag football team’s longtime quarterback, is sending a clear message: earning a spot on the Olympic squad will require more than just NFL pedigree.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Doucette emphasized that veteran flag football players deserve a fair chance to compete for their positions. “The flag guys deserve their opportunity,” Doucette stated, expressing concerns that the contributions of dedicated flag football players could be overshadowed by the influx of NFL talent.

Doucette highlighted the unique skills and techniques honed by flag football players, distinguishing it from traditional tackle football. He suggested that NFL players may face challenges adapting to the game’s nuances, such as the emphasis on agility and flag-pulling evasion. “It’s entirely two different games,” he said. “You can’t really compare flag football and tackle football.”

While the NFL has cleared the way for players to try out for Team USA, neither the league nor USA Football has guaranteed roster spots. USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck emphasized that adding NFL players would broaden the selection pool, enhancing the team’s overall talent. “Including NFL players only strengthens our talent pool for LA28 and our ability to select the best athletes for Team USA football to bring home the gold,” Hallenbeck said in a statement.

Doucette, while protective of his teammates, expressed a willingness to embrace competition. “We’re definitely open to all competition,” he said. “If those guys come in and ball out and they’re better than us, hats off to them. Go win that gold medal for our country.”

The inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics marks a significant milestone for the sport. As the Games approach, the debate over team composition is expected to intensify, with flag football veterans and NFL stars vying for the chance to represent Team USA on the Olympic stage.

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