Darrell Green already owns a gold jacket. Now he wants a gold medal. The Hall of Fame cornerback returned to the field at 66 years old this weekend, taking part in USA Football’s national flag football trials in Chula Vista, California. Green last played in the NFL in 2002, but he still trains like a pro and still moves with the same competitive fire that defined his 20‑year career.
Green earned his invitation through USA Football’s digital combine. His testing numbers impressed evaluators enough to bring him into the in‑person trials, where he joined athletes from every level of the sport. Some come from flag football. Some come from college programs. Some, like Green, bring decades of NFL experience.
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A deep and competitive talent pool
Callie Brownson, USA Football’s senior director of high performance, says Green earned his shot. She praised his conditioning, his drive, and his ability to compete with athletes half his age. Coaches want to see how he handles the speed of elite flag football, and Green embraces the challenge.
He knows the odds. The U.S. men’s national team dominates the international scene, winning six of the last seven IFAF world championships. Green says he plans to give everything he has and walk away proud, no matter the outcome.
Basketball stars join the trials
Roughly 100 men and women compete for roster spots this weekend. The group includes former WNBA draft pick Loryn Goodwin and Florida State standout O’Mariah Gordon. Brownson says basketball players often transition well because their agility, creativity, and leaping ability translate naturally to the flag game.
USA Football continues to expand its talent pipeline as the sport prepares for its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Road to Germany
Players who advance from trials will join returning members from last year’s squads at training camp next month. From there, USA Football will select the final roster for the 2026 IFAF World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany, scheduled for August 13–16.
Brownson says the depth of this year’s pool shows how much excitement surrounds Olympic flag football. High‑level athletes from multiple sports want a chance to represent the United States on the world stage.
A star‑studded weekend for flag football
While trials unfold in Chula Vista, Los Angeles hosts the Fanatics Flag Football Classic. Team USA players face a group of NFL stars, including Tom Brady, Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, Joe Burrow, Von Miller, and Myles Garrett. The event takes place at BMO Stadium, the future Olympic venue for flag football.
Team USA quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette III says the matchup gives his squad a chance to show NFL players the true speed and skill of elite flag football.
