Flag Football’s Olympic debut in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles was supposed to be a celebratory moment – until Team USA quarterback Darrell Doucette stirred controversy with his fiery take on NFL players possibly joining the squad.
Doucette, a standout from the 2024 Men’s National Team, didn’t hold back when asked about pro players potentially suiting up for the red, white, and blue in three years. But instead of rallying fans around the purity of the game, his comments triggered a social media firestorm.
“I think it’s disrespectful that they just automatically assume that they’re able to just join the Olympic team because of the person that they are – they didn’t help grow this game to get to the Olympics,” Doucette said in a resurfaced interview originally posted by NFL reporter Dov Kleiman.
The fans did not forgive Doucette
The backlash was swift and brutal.
“Bro throws like a 5-year-old learning to throw a football,” one user mocked.
“Get ready to learn the bench,” another laughed.
“There wouldn’t be a USA flag football team without the NFL,” added another commenter, summing up the stance of many who believe the sport owes its global visibility to the league’s influence.
Flag Football, which traces its roots back to World War II military bases, has grown into a grassroots success story – but with Olympic status now secured, many fans see NFL stars as the obvious choice to represent America on the world stage.
Some fans supported the Olympic QB
Still, Doucette had his defenders. Some praised his skill and dedication to the sport long before the Olympic announcement. “His highlights are pretty dope,” one supporter noted. Another pointed out, “He’s the same size as Bryce Young,” pushing back on critiques of his 5’7″, 140 lbs frame compared to NFL quarterbacks.
The debate has lit up the sports world: Should legacy players who built the sport get first dibs? Or does Team USA deserve its absolute best – which, for many, means NFL talent?
With 2028 fast approaching, one thing’s clear: the Olympic flag football roster won’t just be a battle of athleticism – it’ll be a war of legitimacy.
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