Super Bowl Champ, 66, Vies for US Flag Football Team

Darrell Green, a Hall of Fame NFL cornerback, aims to make the US national flag football squad ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Darrell Green, a 66-year-old former NFL star who won two Super Bowls with the Washington Redskins, is attempting to make the US national flag football team as the sport prepares to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Green, who was a seven-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection during his 20-year NFL career, will take part in national team trials in California with the hope of earning a roster spot on the 2026 US squad that will compete at the world championships in Germany.

Why it matters

Green's pursuit of a spot on the US flag football team at age 66 highlights the growing popularity and competitiveness of the sport, which will make its Olympic debut in 2028. As one of the NFL's all-time greats, Green's participation could bring additional attention to flag football and inspire other former professional athletes to get involved.

The details

Green qualified for the national team trials through a digital combine, and despite being significantly older than most of the other participants, his testing results were impressive enough for USA Football to invite him to the trials in Chula Vista, California. If Green makes the team, he would compete at the 2026 world championships before potentially representing the US at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

  • Green will take part in the national team trials in Chula Vista, California this week.
  • The 2026 flag football world championships will be held in Germany over the summer.
  • Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The players

Darrell Green

A 66-year-old former NFL cornerback who played his entire 20-year career with the Washington Redskins, winning two Super Bowls and making seven Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team. He is now attempting to make the US national flag football team.

Callie Brownson

The senior director of high performance and national teams at USA Football, who said Green's testing results were impressive enough to earn him an invitation to the national team trials.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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

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

— Darrell Green

What’s next

If Green makes the US national flag football team, he would compete at the 2026 world championships in Germany before potentially representing the US at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

Darrell Green's pursuit of a spot on the US flag football team at age 66 demonstrates the growing popularity and competitiveness of the sport, which will make its Olympic debut in 2028. As a legendary NFL player, Green's participation could inspire other former professional athletes to get involved in flag football and help raise the profile of the sport.