Hall of Famer Darrell Green Trying Out for USA Flag Football Team at 66

The longtime NFL cornerback is competing for a spot on the 2026 U.S. squad that will compete at the world championships in Germany.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:52pm

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Darrell Green, a Hall of Fame cornerback who played 20 years in the NFL and won two Super Bowls with Washington, is trying out for a spot on the U.S. national flag football team at age 66. Green is in Chula Vista, California this weekend to participate in the national team trials, hoping to earn a spot on the 2026 squad that will compete at the world championships in Germany.

Why it matters

Green's attempt to make the U.S. flag football team at his advanced age is a remarkable feat, showcasing his continued athleticism and competitive drive even decades after his NFL career ended. His participation also highlights the growing popularity and legitimacy of flag football, which was recently added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics schedule.

The details

According to USA Football officials, Green qualified for the national team trials through impressive testing results in a digital combine. He will be competing against many other athletes vying for spots on the already successful U.S. men's national flag football squad, which has won six of the last seven IFAF world titles since 2010.

  • Green will be participating in the national team trials in Chula Vista, California this weekend (March 21-23, 2026).
  • The 2026 IFAF World Championships in flag football will take place in Germany in August.

The players

Darrell Green

A Hall of Fame cornerback who played 20 seasons in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls with the Washington franchise. He is now 66 years old and attempting to make the U.S. national flag football team.

Callie Brownson

USA Football's senior director of high performance and national teams, who stated that Green qualified for the national team trials through impressive testing results.

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What they’re saying

“He's a rare athlete who has stayed in shape and is ready to compete this week.”

— Callie Brownson, USA Football Senior Director of High Performance and National Teams

“There's nothing like getting on that field and competing on behalf of this country. And then topping that off standing on that top podium getting that gold [medal]. I've done it in track in college and high school; I've been in Super Bowls, this is the grand daddy of them all. Don't feel sorry for me, don't feel bad for me. I'm a competitor just like everybody else and I'm gonna give it my best and walk away with my head up, either way.”

— Darrell Green

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Green's attempt to make the U.S. flag football team at age 66 is a remarkable feat that highlights his continued athleticism and competitive drive, as well as the growing popularity and legitimacy of flag football as a sport, which was recently added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics schedule.