Hall of Famer Darrell Green, 66, Tries Out for Team USA Flag Football

The former Washington cornerback aims to make the national team for the flag football world championships.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:35am

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Darrell Green, the 66-year-old Hall of Fame cornerback who played 20 seasons for the Washington NFL team, is trying out for the USA flag football national team. Green qualified through a digital combine and will participate in trials this week in Chula Vista, California, with the goal of earning a roster spot on the team that will compete in the flag football world championships in Germany this summer.

Why it matters

Green's attempt to make the national flag football team at age 66 is an inspiring story of an aging athlete still pursuing his competitive drive. If he makes the team, it would be a remarkable accomplishment and highlight the growing popularity and competitiveness of flag football, which is set to debut as an Olympic sport in 2028.

The details

Green, who retired from the NFL in 2002, will be competing against younger players for a spot on the USA flag football team. Callie Brownson, the senior director of high performance and national teams for USA Football, said Green's testing results from the digital combine were impressive and that he deserves a chance to try out with the other participants.

  • Green will participate in the national team trials in Chula Vista, California, this weekend.
  • The flag football world championships will take place in Germany this summer.

The players

Darrell Green

A 66-year-old Hall of Fame cornerback who played 20 seasons for the Washington NFL team and is now trying out for the USA flag football national team.

Callie Brownson

The senior director of high performance and national teams for USA Football, who said Green deserves a chance to try out for the team based on his impressive testing results.

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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

“Darrell qualified through our digital combine. He's later in his career than the other trials participants, but his testing results were impressive. Our coaches and staff felt he deserved a closer look.”

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

What’s next

If Green makes the USA flag football national team, he will compete in the flag football world championships in Germany this summer.

The takeaway

Darrell Green's attempt to make the USA flag football team at age 66 is an inspiring story of an aging athlete still pursuing his competitive drive. It also highlights the growing popularity and competitiveness of flag football, which is set to debut as an Olympic sport in 2028.