Darrell Doucette and the 2028 Olympics logo (Photos via @NFLNotify X and Getty Images)

When flag football was announced as an Olympic event, many people online assumed that the best NFL players would represent America but current Team USA quarterback Darrell Doucette has other ideas.

America already has a national flag football team, and some players feel they’ve earned the spot to represent their country instead. Doucette has been the most outspoken on the situation.

“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, according to The Guardian. “Give the guys who helped this game get to where it’s at their respect.”

However, he doesn’t believe that NFL players should be completely excluded from joining; rather, they should have to show they’re better than the current team.

“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 added. “They still have to go out there and compete.”

Of course, everyone views NFL players as the best football players the country has to offer, but it’s worth remembering tackle and flag football have major differences.

Darrell Doucette Led America To Gold Medal In The 2022 World Games

Doucette may have his eyes set on winning an Olympic gold medal, but it wouldn’t be his first gold medal ever for flag football.

In 2022, he led an undefeated Team, USA, to first place in the 2022 World Games after beating Team Itay 46-36 in the final game.

In that game, Doucette threw for four touchdowns and even caught one, bringing the total to five in just one game.