Over the last week or so, USA flag football quarterback Darrell Doucette has been in the headlines. He had given the opinion that it was “disrespectful” for NFL players to have a roster spot on USA’s Flag Football Olympic team.
Is it though? Week after week, NFL players put their bodies on the line and there is always a risk of injury.
If NFL Players Can Play Tackle Football, Why Not Flag Football?
Doucette went as far as to say he’s a better fit to play quarterback for Team USA over Patrick Mahomes. “At the end of the day, I feel like I’m better than Patrick Mahomes because of my IQ of the game.” However, Mahomes is a three-time Super Bowl champ and has an amazing football IQ in his own right. So if anyone can adapt, it’s him.
He’s also one of the most elusive QBs in football, so this seems right up his alley. And he’s not alone. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow also wants to be part of flag football on Team USA in the ‘28 Olympics.
That said, Darrell Doucette is no slouch at his game.
However, there are some differences in flag football.
Differences in Flag Football
Flag football does have stark contrasts in differences to regular tackle football: it’s only five-on-five competition as opposed to having 11 players on offense and defense like in the NFL.
Additionally, the field is narrower and there’s no physicality. However, at the Pro Bowl, the NFL has held a seven-on-seven flag football game for several years now.
So it’s not like the top-tier NFL players don’t know what they’re getting into with flag football.
Image Of NFL Players In Olympic Competition
When the next summer Olympics get here in 2028, we will certainly be at an interesting crossroad. If NFL players earn the right to participate, let them compete if they so choose.
Ratings for that event could potentially go through the roof because the NFL is king of the sports landscape. It would be something special to see some of the NFL’s greatest stars such as Mahomes and Burrow standing on the medal podium with a gold medal around their neck.
On the other hand, if you’re a coach or GM, you’d be out of your mind allowing your star players to potentially get injured and miss time in the NFL. Interestingly, we could be looking at a future labor dispute over flag football.
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