LOS ANGELES — Team USA Flag Football made a statement Saturday, but maybe it should have been expected. The players don’t have the household names of their NFL counterparts. They certainly made it clear why they need recognition after winning the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles.
Team USA dominated its first two games at the exhibition tournament to the tune of 82-30. That disparity was stark and showed why it’s not a given that a team of NFL players will be representing the U.S. in the 2028 Olympics. Team USA ultimately took the crown with a 24-14 win in the final.
Fans watching the games at BMO Stadium on Saturday may have left a bit shocked. However, it’s clear the skills needed for playing the sport at a high level is different than what it takes to play in the NFL.
Looking at the size of the players for Team USA compared to the NFL players, you’d think there would be no chance the top international team would stand a chance. Quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette III hinted that the NFL players could be embarrassed by Team USA during a Friday press conference.
It came to fruition Saturday in the dominant showing for the team. Doucette accounted for 5 touchdowns on the day. At times, it looked like the NFL players were playing a different sport.
“The game is certainly very different,” former NFL linebacker Luke Kuechley said. “But, it doesn’t take away from the athletic ability those guys have. From speed to burst to change of direction and understanding of the game, they do a fantastic job.”
It’s a challenge to unlearn some elements that work in pads. That showed itself for the NFL squad, which featured stars such as Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and Tom Brady among others. The speed and familiarity with the rules helped aid Team USA in its victories.
Exhibition Has Real-Life Implications For Upcoming 2028 Olympics
The NFL previously voted to allow its players to participate in the 2028 Olympics, which will feature flag as an event football for the first time. It had felt like a foregone conclusion the Olympic team would be made up of mostly NFL players. No way a flag football pro would beat out one of the top athletes in the game for a spot, right?
Saturday’s event could have changed that thought process. If the goal is winning a gold medal in LA in two years, then it looked clear Saturday the professional flag players need to be a big part of it.
“LA28 will be a lot of guys like you saw on the field to make a big commitment to trying to be their best and go out there and showcase their skillset in front of a global audience,” Tom Brady said.
Kuechley joked that the flag football game is not made for players like him to thrive on physicality. Instead, it favors speedy and versatile skill players. Doucette has become the face of the sport at the international level.
He sparked controversy previously with comments made about his role in the growth of the game. The Team USA quarterback said he would be better equipped to guide the team over Super Bowl and MVP winner Patrick Mahomes.
Doucette looked back at those comments Saturday bringing attention to what he truly meant with those words.
“All I was speaking of was giving my brother’s a fair chance to make 2028,” he said. “We came out this weekend with that on our mind. To say, hey, let’s show these guys that we are talented. That we are flag football and not to be overlooked by anyone in the world.”
The Team USA players will be awarded $100,000 each for winning the tournament. Life-changing money for those players in many regards. The group certainly had a mission Saturday and made its mark with two years to go until the Olympics in the same venue.
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