The road to LA28 may be rockier than anticipated for current NFL stars.
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Flag Football U.S. Men’s National Team showcased the intricacies of the sport relative to tackle football and dominated the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium this past weekend. Team USA completely flattened Founders FFC and Wildcats FFC, two squads made up of current and former NFL players, as well as other elite athletes.
BMO stadium hosts the Fanatics Flag Football Classic with three squads of elite athletes and celebrities competing in a unique 5-on-5 format. The U.S. Men’s National Flag Football team battled against active and former NFL players in squads captained by legendary quarterbacks Tom Brady and Joe Burrow. (Photo by Bryce Dechert)
Despite the overwhelming fanfare of the weekend – underscored by the constant promotion of a laundry list of different sponsors – it was certainly a success for the visibility of flag football, which will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Team USA on defense vs. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith. (Photo by Bryce Dechert) (bryce dechert)
“We knew how important this felt for the flag football community, for the flag football world, just to put this sport on the map,” Team USA head coach Jorge Cascudo said. “The women [are] blowing up right now, 7-on-7, high school, now it’s in college, which is amazing. Flag football is growing and growing each and every day, every year, and I’m very fortunate for the opportunity.”
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts maneuvers around Logan Paul. (Photo by Bryce Dechert) (bryce dechert)
Through the first two games of the round robin tournament, the U.S. National Team outscored the Founders and Wildcats 82-30. In their head-to-head matchup, Founders FFC quarterbacks Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts were thoroughly outplayed by Team USA’s signal-calling duo – Darrell Doucette III and Nico Casares hit five different receivers for touchdowns, going 18-for-18 for 222 yards in a 43-16 victory.
Defensive back Isaiah Calhoun attempts to capture Hurts’ flag. (Photo by Bryce Dechert) (bryce dechert)
Wildcats FFC advanced over Founders FFC to play in the championship game against Team USA. The Wildcats played a tighter game in the teams’ second matchup: QB Joe Burrow went 10-for-14 for 76 yards and a touchdown, and RB/WR Davante Adams recorded 43 yards on the ground and a score. But Doucette put Team USA on his back, rushing for two touchdowns and throwing for one to garner the MVP award in a 24-14 win.
Founders FFC captain Brady preps the game ball during the first match vs. Paul and his Wildcats FFC team. (Photo by Bryce Dechert) (brycedechert)
“We came out this weekend… to say ‘Hey, let’s show these guys that we are talented,’” Doucette said postgame. “That we are flag football and not to be overlooked by anyone in the world.”
Team USA captain Darrell “Housh” Doucette III with USA teammates. (Photo by Bryce Dechert) (bryce dechert)
Team USA’s dominance was largely driven by speed advantages and an intensive knowledge of the nuances of flag football. Spectators were wowed by receivers’ ability to dip their hips and avoid the reach of encroaching defenders – for instance, check out this move from WR/DB Velton Brown, Jr.
Actor Jamie Foxx keeping it casual on the sidelines during the second match of the day. (Photo by Bryce Dechert)
“It certainly shows body type. Me, [Wildcats ATH] Logan [Paul], we’re not built for this game,” Wildcats linebacker Luke Kuechly said. “The camaraderie, the fellowship and the opportunity to put cleats on has been great… but it feels a lot like a nickel corner game on the defensive side of the ball.”
USC MVB vs Jessup Track Olympian Alysha Newman poses with friends on the sideline. (Photo by Bryce Dechert) (Bryce Dechert)
After the Classic, reporters asked Brady if he thought that the U.S. National Team made a point about who should be selected to represent Team USA at the 2028 Olympic Games and whether NFL players deserve a seat at that particular table.
“Look, we’re not going back and forth about who should be on [the Olympic team],” he said. “There’s going to be a selection process, and may the best people play.”
Singer and songwriter Travis Scott fires up the crowd behind the decks between matches. (Photo by Bryce Dechert)
Brady also alluded to the idea of potential rule changes to make the game more accessible to NFL players, a suggestion Team USA found laughable.
“I wouldn’t modify anything because they ain’t modify anything for me,” WR/DB Ja’Deion High said.
“Why are we going to change something that’s going to be in the Olympics?” Cascudo questioned. “The NFL players, if they want to go to the Olympics, they’ve got to change their game to these types of rules because the Olympics aren’t going to change the rules for them.”