Football is finally coming to the Olympics in 2028, with flag football taking the international stage in Los Angeles. NFL players across the league have discussed potentially representing the United States, with Jalen Hurts seemingly being at the forefront. A commercial recently aired of Hurts lighting the Olympic torch while being named the Olympic flag football ambassador.

Not everybody is thrilled with Hurts, and other NFL players, potential inclusion in the games. Darrell Doucette, who is USA Flag Football’s current starting quarterback, recently called them out in an interview with The Guardian. Doucette wants NFL guys to compete for their spots on the team instead of automatically being placed on the team.

“We just don’t think they’re going to be able to walk on the field and make the Olympic team because of the name, right?” Doucette said. “They still have to go out there and compete.”

Hurts is not the only player who has expressed a desire to play in the 2028 Olympics. Fellow quarterback Joe Burrow, Caleb Williams, and Patrick Mahomes have spoken on the topic. Tyreek Hill is a potential candidate to play as well, bringing some serious speed to the team.

If those types of players wanted to get in the mix, you would assume there would be some competition between them, potentially leaving previous flag football players behind. Doucette says the idea of NFL players just walking in is “disrespectful” since they do not have flag football experience.

“I think it’s disrespectful that they just automatically assume that they’re able to just join the Olympic team because of the person that they are — they didn’t help grow this game to get to the Olympics,” Doucette said. “Give the guys who helped this game get to where it’s at their respect.”

Doucette does have a ton of success representing the United States, having multiple gold medals to his name. The US won the 2021 World Championship along with the 2022 World Games, hosted by Birmingham, AL. He argues NFL players won’t even be needed to win a gold medal in Los Angeles.

“It’s not that we need these guys,” Doucette said. “Because we’re already great with who we have.”

Now, there are just under four years before the Olympics take place out West. Doucette will continue to play for the United States, preparing to compete on the sport’s biggest even stage. Fending off NFL players will apparently be a part of the process, hoping to retain his spot in 2028.