Darrell Doucette, quarterback of the U.S. national flag football team, has boldly proclaimed his superiority over three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes, citing his exceptional football IQ.
Darrell "Housh" Doucette, the quarterback of the U.S. national flag football team, has sparked a fiery debate by declaring himself "better" than three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes in the realm of flag football. In an interview with TMZ Sports, Doucette asserted that his superior football IQ gives him an edge over the NFL superstar.
"At the end of the day, I feel like I'm better than Patrick Mahomes because of my IQ of the game," Doucette proclaimed. "I know he's right now the best in the league, I know he's more accurate, I know he has all these intangibles – but when it comes to flag football, I feel like I know more than him."
Team USA Flag Football Star Declares Himself 'Better' than Patrick Mahomes
Doucette, who led Team USA to victory at the 2021 IFAF Men's Flag Football World Championship and a gold medal at the 2022 World Games, highlighted the physicality as the primary difference between tackle football and flag football.
"I don't think they [NFL players] have the time to actually learn this game and be as successful as we have over this period of time," Doucette explained, expressing confidence that the lack of physical contact will pose a significant challenge for NFL players.
Team USA Flag Football Star Declares Himself 'Better' than Patrick Mahomes
Despite his bold claims, Doucette expressed admiration for the NFL players who have shown interest in flag football, acknowledging their elite athleticism. However, he emphasized the importance of adhering to the tryout process for a spot on the Olympic team.
"I love the fact that they want to play and that they want to come out and compete," Doucette said. "But at the end of the day, we want the same process that we've been having to play – we have to try out, and so do they. I don't want it to be they're entitled because of their names to be able to just automatically be on the team and that's what is sounds like from the flag football world."
Team USA Flag Football Star Declares Himself 'Better' than Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes responded to Doucette's comments with a humorous meme featuring Rapper 50 Cent, seemingly downplaying the challenge. Mahomes' response has further fueled the ongoing debate.
Flag football will make its highly anticipated debut at the 2028 Olympics, and many top NFL players have expressed their interest in representing their countries. NFL executive Jeff Miller confirmed that the league and NFLPA are actively engaged in discussions regarding players' participation.
Team USA Flag Football Star Declares Himself 'Better' than Patrick Mahomes
"Obviously, the hope would be that players who want to participate in the Olympics and represent their country have that opportunity to do so," Miller said. "No final answer, but it is something that we're working on actively."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
