66-Year-Old NFL Legend Darrell Green Tries Out for Team USA Flag Football

The inspiring journey of a Hall of Famer defying age and chasing his passion

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:53am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-stride, with their face and uniform abstracted into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the raw energy and movement of the sport.Darrell Green's pursuit of a spot on the USA flag football team at age 66 challenges the boundaries of what's possible in sports.Lancaster Today

Darrell Green, a 66-year-old NFL Hall of Famer, is making headlines by trying out for the Team USA flag football team for the upcoming world championships in Germany. Despite his advanced age, Green is determined to compete against younger players, driven by his lifelong love for the sport. This story highlights Green's unwavering spirit and challenges the notion that age is a limiting factor in sports.

Why it matters

Green's pursuit of a spot on the Team USA flag football team at the age of 66 challenges the traditional perceptions of what's possible in sports. His journey inspires us to redefine success and embrace the thrill of competition, regardless of age. This story raises important questions about how we view the capabilities of older athletes and the role of passion and determination in achieving extraordinary feats.

The details

Darrell Green, a retired cornerback who played for the Washington team for 20 years, is aiming to make the Team USA flag football squad for the upcoming world championships in Germany. Despite being 66 years old, Green is competing against younger, potentially more athletic players in the national team trials. Green's decision to pursue this challenge at such an advanced age is a testament to his unwavering passion for the sport.

  • Darrell Green, a 66-year-old NFL Hall of Famer, is trying out for the Team USA flag football team for the 2026 world championships in Germany.

The players

Darrell Green

A 66-year-old Hall of Famer who played cornerback for the Washington team for 20 years and is now trying out for the Team USA flag football team.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to give it my best and I'll walk away with my head up, either way.”

— Darrell Green

What’s next

The selection process for the USA flag football team for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles is still unclear, but Green's performance in the upcoming world championships trials will be closely watched as he continues his inspiring journey.

The takeaway

Darrell Green's pursuit of a spot on the Team USA flag football team at the age of 66 challenges the traditional boundaries of what's possible in sports. His story serves as a powerful reminder that age is just a number, and that the true measure of success lies in the courage to pursue one's passions, regardless of the obstacles that may stand in the way.