Lamar Jackson Defends NFL Players’ Flag Football Skills in Olympic Debate

The upcoming inclusion of Flag Football in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has sparked a debate between NFL stars and professional flag football players over who should represent Team USA.

Reigning MVP of the International Federation of American Flag Football, Darrell Doucette, stirred the pot by claiming, "I am better than Patrick Mahomes," highlighting the growing tension between the two groups.

NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson entered the conversation with a sharp response on social media. After seeing a highlight reel of flag football players with the caption, "NFL players aren’t pulling these flag football guys’ flags," Jackson fired back on X.

“🤣Like we don’t know how to play flag FOOTBALL all of a sudden? I did that @ the Boys & Girls Club.😴😴” Jackson said, reflecting the frustration among NFL players who feel they're being underestimated in the debate.

Doucette, on the other hand, argued that it would be "disrespectful" to assume NFL stars could easily take over the flag football roster for the Olympics, without giving proper credit to those who have helped grow the sport.

“Give the guys who helped this game get to where it’s at their respect,” Doucette stated in an interview with The Guardian.

His remarks underscore the desire of flag football pros to represent their country on the Olympic stage, a platform that could bring them significant recognition.

However, NFL players like Jackson and Joe Burrow are eager to compete, with Burrow even expressing his interest in playing for the Olympic flag football team. The debate highlights the tension between flag football purists and NFL stars, both vying for the chance to win Olympic gold in a sport that's gaining global attention.

Related: Patrick Mahomes Responds To Surprise Shot From U.S. Flag Football Player