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Darrell Green was one of the few NFL players who was able to compete in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s before retiring and eventually being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Green, 66, may end up following a new route back to the playing field thanks to flag football.
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Washington Redskins cornerback Darrell Green (28) returns his 50th career interception during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Landover, Maryland, Sunday, December 12, 1999. (AP Photo/Doug Mills, File)
While the Fanatics Flag Football Classic put the sport at the top of NFL fans’ minds for at least one afternoon, Green hopes to make the U.S. flag football team as the sport debuts at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
He will participate in the national team trials in Chula Vista, California, in hopes of receiving an invitation to training camp next month. He could end up earning a spot on the 2026 national flag football team roster that will compete in the world championship in Germany over the summer.
“Darrell qualified through our digital combine. He is further along in his career than the other tryout participants, but his test results were impressive,” said Callie Brownson, senior director of high performance and national teams for USA Football. “Our coaches and staff felt he deserved a closer look… He is a rare athlete who has stayed in shape and is ready to compete this week.”
Former Washington defensive back Darrell Green reacts during a jersey retirement ceremony at halftime of an NFL football game between the Washington Commanders and the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
The Washington Redskins selected Green in the first round of the 1983 draft out of Texas A&M-Kingsville. He only played for the Redskins during his entire career, which ended in 2002.
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He had 1,202 tackles, 54 interceptions and six interceptions returned for touchdowns. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion, a seven-time Pro Bowler and made the All-Pro team once.
“I’m going to do my best and walk away with my head held high, either way,” Green said on USA Football’s Instagram page.
The task will not be easy for Green. United States men’s flag soccer is the best in the world and has won six of the last seven world championships since 2010.
Former Washington Redskins cornerback Darrell Green stands next to his bronze bust at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on August 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, file)
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There are about 100 men and women trying to get the attention of the US national team coaches. Former WNBA player Loryn Goodwin and former Florida State guard O’Mariah Gordon were among those competing.
