- Philadelphia Eagles. Jason Kelce receives the weirdest compliment from wife Kylie Kelce: 'He's a pain in the butt'
- Kansas City Chiefs. Chiefs' path back to the Super Bowl just got easier after the Bills' disasters in preseason
With the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics introducing flag football, NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts are eagerly eyeing a shot at Olympic glory. But Darrell "Housh" Doucette, the current quarterback for Team USA's flag football squad, isn't rolling out the red carpet for them just yet.
In a candid interview with The Guardian, Doucette made it clear that NFL quarterbacks won't get a free to represent the U.S. in the Olympics, despite their big names.
"We just don't think they're going to be able to walk on the field and make the Olympic team because of the name, right?" Doucette said, calling out the assumption that NFL stars can easily dominate the sport.
"It's disrespectful," says Doucette
Doucette specifically took issue with a recent NFL promotion featuring Jalen Hurts lighting the Olympic torch, suggesting Hurts would be playing. "I think it's disrespectful that they just automatically assume they're able to the Olympic team because of the person they are," Doucette continued.
"They didn't help grow this game to get to the Olympics. Give the guys who helped this game get to where it's at their respect," the quarterback claimed.
Team USA's flag football team has been a powerhouse, winning five of the last six world championships. Doucette, a two-time world champion and MVP, emphasized the differences between tackle and flag football, warning NFL players that it won't be as easy as they think.
Flag football doesn't need the NFL
In a 2018 game, Doucette's amateur squad defeated a team of former NFL players by 20 points, showcasing the unique speed and strategy required.
Doucette's message was simple: "It's not that we need these guys. We're already great with who we have."
As the 2024 world championship approaches, Doucette and Team USA will defend their title, proving once again that flag football isn't just for the NFL's elite.