USA Flag Football Players Earn $100K After Routing NFL Stars

Dominant victories highlight flag football's growing strength ahead of 2028 Olympics

Mar. 23, 2026 at 3:24am

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The USA Flag Football team delivered a resounding performance, defeating NFL stars and celebrity squads in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic. Each player on the winning U.S. team earned a $100,000 prize, underscoring the increasing investment and recognition surrounding flag football as a legitimate and competitive sport. The dominant display raises questions about whether NFL players will compete in the 2028 Olympics, where flag football will make its debut.

Why it matters

The USA Flag Football team's decisive victories over high-profile NFL players showcase the growing strength and legitimacy of the sport, which is set to make its Olympic debut in 2028. The substantial prize money highlights the increasing investment and recognition surrounding flag football, signaling its rise as a competitive athletic endeavor.

The details

The USA Flag Football team routed a squad featuring NFL stars Joe Burrow and Saquon Barkley by a score of 39-14, and then demolished Tom Brady's team 43-16. Beyond the bragging rights, each player on the winning U.S. team earned a $100,000 prize, underscoring the growing financial investment in the sport.

  • The Fanatics Flag Football Classic took place on March 22, 2026.
  • Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

The players

Joe Burrow

NFL quarterback who expressed interest in competing for a gold medal in flag football at the 2028 Olympics.

Saquon Barkley

NFL running back who was part of the team defeated by the USA Flag Football squad.

Tom Brady

NFL quarterback whose team was routed 43-16 by the USA Flag Football team.

Darrell 'Housh' Doucette

USA Flag Football team quarterback who emphasized the importance of recognizing the dedication of current flag football players.

Justin Jefferson

NFL wide receiver who has spoken about the excitement of flag football's inclusion in the Olympics and its growing global reach.

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What they’re saying

“I've held that dream since I was a kid, to compete for a gold medal. It would be awesome.”

— Joe Burrow

“The focus should remain on recognizing the dedication of those who have built the sport to its current level.”

— Darrell 'Housh' Doucette, USA Flag Football team quarterback

“Flag football's inclusion in the Olympics is exciting, and it shows the sport's growing global reach.”

— Justin Jefferson, NFL wide receiver

What’s next

Several logistical challenges remain, including the Olympic flag football competition being scheduled during NFL training camp. A debate has emerged regarding prioritizing current flag football players versus allowing NFL stars to join the Olympic team.

The takeaway

The USA Flag Football team's dominant performance and the substantial prize money highlight the growing legitimacy and investment in the sport, raising questions about whether NFL stars will compete in the 2028 Olympics and the potential impact on the sport's future development.