Darrell Green, a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee from the Class of 2020 who played cornerback for the Washington Redskins from 1983 to 2002, is participating in trials for the U.S. men's flag football national team in Chula Vista, California.[1][2][3]
The 64-year-old Green, born February 15, 1960, qualified for the trials through USA Football's digital combine, where his results stood out despite his age compared to other participants.[1][3]
USA Football senior director of high performance and national teams Callie Brownson said: "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. ... He’s a rare athlete who has stayed in shape and is ready to compete this week."[3]
Green was the Redskins' first-round pick, 28th overall, in the 1983 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M-Kingsville. Over his 20-year career, he recorded 54 interceptions, six of which he returned for touchdowns. He won Super Bowls XXII and XXVI, made seven Pro Bowls and earned one First-Team All-Pro selection.[1][2]
The trials coincide with increased attention on flag football, set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.[3][4]
Green hopes to earn an invitation to national team training camp next month and a roster spot for the 2026 world championships in Germany.[3]
Around 100 men and women are vying for spots, including former WNBA player Loryn Goodwin and ex-Florida State basketball guard O’Mariah Gordon.[3]
The U.S. men's team has won six of the last seven flag football world championships since 2010.[3]
Green told USA Football's Instagram page: "I’m going to give it my best and I’ll walk away with my head up, either way."[3]
Sources
- Pro Football Hall of Fame, "Darrell Green", accessed November 2024, https://www.profootballhof.com/players/darrell-green/
- Sports Reference LLC, "Darrell Green", accessed November 2024, https://www.profootball-reference.com/players/G/GreeDa00.htm
- Fox News Digital, "Darrell Green was one of a few NFL players who was able to compete in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s before he retired and was eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame", circa October 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/pro-football-hall-famer-darrell-green-pursuing-return-gridiron-flag-football
- Olympics.com, "Flag football confirmed for LA28 Olympic Games programme", 16 October 2023, https://olympics.com/en/news/flag-football-confirmed-la28-olympic-games-programme/
