Just recently, Team USA’s Darrell Doucette claimed that he was a better quarterback than Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes. This led Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson to make his stance on the flag football debate known.
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Doucette asserted that Mahomes is not a better flag football quarterback than him. He explained that while the Chiefs star and other NFL players are elite athletes, they have never actually played flag football before, whereas Doucette has been a staple of the USA flag football team since 2020.
Dec 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Doucette acknowledged that if NFL players were to train specifically for flag football, they may eventually become better than him. However, he believes the transition from the traditional 11-on-11 game to the faster-paced, non-contact flag football format would not be immediate.
This comment comes amid the excitement surrounding the inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Several NFL stars, including Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, and Tyreek Hill, have expressed interest in representing their country in the Olympic flag football competition.
Doucette, however, has been critical of the idea that NFL players will automatically be able to join the Olympic team, stating that it is disrespectful to the players who have helped grow the sport to the point of reaching the Olympics. He believes that these veteran flag football players deserve the respect and recognition for their contributions to the sport’s development.
[embedded content]As the IFAF Flag Football World Championships approach, Doucette is set to lead the USA men’s squad, showcasing his expertise and experience in the sport.
Jackson’s dynamic 2023 season, in which he captured his second MVP award, has only amplified the anticipation for his potential involvement in the debut of flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With his exceptional skills as a passer and runner, Jackson’s playing style would be well-suited to the fast-paced, elusive nature of flag football. His prior experience teaching the game to children in London further highlights his affinity for the sport.
The decision on whether active NFL players will participate remains to be seen. Regardless, the inclusion of flag football in the Olympic program is set to captivate audiences, with the possibility of stars like Jackson showcasing their talents on the international stage.
