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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 pursuing a new route back to the gridiron 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 against in Landover, Maryland, Sunday, December 12, 1999. (AP Photo/Doug Mills, File)
With the Fanatics Flag Football Classic putting the sport at the forefront of NFL fans’ minds for at least an afternoon, Green hopes to be able to make the U.S. flag football team when the sport is set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
He will attend national team tryouts in Chula Vista, Calif., with the hope of receiving an invitation to training camp next month. He could end up earning a spot on the 2026 national flag to compete at the World Championships in Germany over the summer.
“Darrell qualified through our digital combine. He is later in his career than the other trial participants, but his test results were impressive,” said Callie Brownson, senior director of high performance and national teams at 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 end 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 his entire career, which ended in 2002.
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He had 1,202 tackles, 54 interceptions and six interceptions returned for a touchdown. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion, seven-time Pro Bowler and made the All-Pro team once.
“I’m going to do my best and I’m going to walk away with my head held high no matter what,” Green said on USA Football’s Instagram page.
The task will not be easy for Green. US men’s flag football is the best in the world, winning six of the last seven World Cups since 2010.
Former Washington Redskins cornerback Darrell Green stands next to his bronze bust at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, 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 US national team coaches. Former WNBA player Loryn Goodwin and former Florida State guard O’Mariah Gordon were among those competing.
