In the world of U.S. Olympic flag football, Darrell Doucette is likened to the legendary Diana Taurasi, while Patrick Mahomes is compared to rising star Caitlin Clark. While these comparisons may seem limited and somewhat disrespectful at first glance, due to Taurasi’s status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time and Clark’s need to further establish herself in her sport, they do hold merit in a particular context.
The decision-makers tasked with selecting the flag football team for the inaugural 2028 Los Angeles Games would be wise to heed the cautionary tale of the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, who narrowly secured a gold medal in Paris. Making roster choices based on anything other than selecting the best players and maximizing the opportunity to win could spell disaster. This holds true even in traditionally American sports like basketball and football.
Quarterbacks like Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Jalen Hurts should be leading the charge, with dynamic playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Justin Jefferson on the receiving end of their passes. Defensive backs like Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward should be shutting down opponents from countries like Canada, Mexico, and Belgium. The United States should be dominating the competition, leaving the world playing catch-up.
It is crucial that spots on the team are earned by NFL players rather than simply handed out. Doucette and his teammates deserve the chance to prove themselves on the field. Doucette himself voiced his frustration with the assumption that NFL players will automatically make the Olympic team based on their name alone.
In a somewhat comical turn of events, Doucette went so far as to proclaim himself better than Mahomes due to his football IQ, despite not having played at the college or professional level. This statement drew incredulous reactions from former NFL receiver Derrick Mason, who emphasized that the best players will always rise to the top, regardless of the level of competition.
Ultimately, the selection process should prioritize assembling the strongest team possible to maximize the chances of victory. While there may be a push for players with experience and success in the sport, a competitive tournament where merit is the deciding factor could lead to a more balanced and thrilling competition. The goal should always be to field the best team and give the United States the best chance to succeed on the world stage.
