Darrell Doucette III, a quarterback for the Team USA men's national flag football team, has expressed strong belief in the capabilities of the current roster to represent the United States at the 2028 Summer Olympics, where flag football will make its Olympic debut. In an interview, Doucette emphasized the team's deep commitment to the sport, stating, "This is a sport that we’ve played for a long time, and we feel like we are the best at it and we don’t need other guys." He acknowledged a shared goal among the team to honor their country, and while he remains open to competition, he underscored their pursuit of excellence.

Doucette voiced concerns regarding the inclusion of NFL players in the Olympic trials following the recent approval by league owners to allow professional athletes to compete. He remarked on the feeling of being marginalized, asserting, "The flag guys deserve their opportunity. That’s all we want. We felt like we worked hard to get the sport to where it’s at, and then when the NFL guys spoke about it, it was like we were getting kicked to the side." His passion reflects a desire for recognition of the efforts put forth by the flag football community to elevate the sport.

During the discussion, Doucette also made notable claims about his qualifications to lead Team USA, stating he believes he possesses a greater understanding of the game than reigning NFL star Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. "At the end of the day, I feel like I'm better than Patrick Mahomes because of my IQ of the game," he asserted, underscoring his confidence. This sentiment resonates with his teammates, who share a commitment to competitiveness and readiness to face any challenge. The ongoing dialogue about the balance between experienced flag football players and elite NFL talent raises important questions about the future landscape of the sport as it moves toward Olympic participation.