Team USA Dominates NFL Stars in Inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic
LOS ANGELES – The U.S. National Flag Football team emphatically proved the difference between traditional tackle football and its flag variant, going undefeated to win the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium this past Saturday. The team dispatched both NFL-assembled squads, the Wildcats and the Founders, showcasing a level of precision and execution that left even the most decorated NFL players struggling to adapt.
Team USA first defeated the Wildcats 39-14, then overpowered the Founders 43-16, earning a spot in the championship game. They then faced the Wildcats again, securing a 24-14 victory to claim the title. Both the Founders and Wildcats rosters were largely comprised of active NFL players, highlighting the challenge faced by professionals transitioning to the fast-paced, skill-focused world of flag football.
Team Rosters
Team USA
Aamir Brown
Velton Brown Jr
Isaiah Calhoun
Nico Casares
Mike Daniels
Laval Davis
Tyler Davis
Housh Doucette
Ja’Deion High
Jamie Kennedy
Pablo Smith
Shawn Theard Jr
Wildcats
Jayden Daniels
Joe Burrow
Saquon Barkley
Kyle Juszczyk
Odell Beckham Jr.
Davante Adams
DeAndre Hopkins
Derwin James Jr.
Luke Kuechly
Jalen Ramsey
Logan Paul
IShowSpeed
Founders
Tom Brady
Jalen Hurts
Ashton Jeanty
Alvin Kamara
Rob Gronkowski
Antoine Winfield Jr.
DeVonta Smith
Stefon Diggs
Von Miller
Damar Hamlin
Patrick Peterson
Terence Crawford
The dominance of Team USA wasn’t simply a matter of athleticism. According to reports, the team’s quarterback, Darrell “Housh” Doucette III, was named tournament MVP, demonstrating the importance of specialized flag football skillsets. The Wildcats and Founders, despite boasting immense talent from the NFL, struggled to grasp the nuances of the game, particularly in terms of spacing, route running, and defensive positioning.
The Founders, led by Tom Brady, initially showed promise but were quickly overwhelmed by Team USA’s pace and precision, falling 43-16. The Wildcats, featuring Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels, fared no better, losing 39-14 in the first round and 24-14 in the championship. The Wildcats did manage a 34-26 victory over the Founders in a preliminary game, but ultimately couldn’t overcome Team USA’s consistent performance.
The difference in execution was stark. Team USA scored on all but one possession throughout the tournament, often carving through defenses packed with NFL stars. As one observer noted, the NFL players appeared to have had limited preparation, with some reports suggesting only “half-assed walkthroughs” leading up to the event. This lack of dedicated practice time clearly impacted their ability to compete effectively.
This event underscores a growing point: flag football is a distinct discipline. While NFL players possess incredible athletic ability, translating that to the flag football field requires a different skillset and a dedicated understanding of the game’s unique rules and strategies. The success of Team USA serves as a compelling argument for prioritizing flag football expertise as the sport gains momentum, particularly with its inclusion in the 2028 Olympics.
The resounding victory for Team USA will undoubtedly fuel the conversation surrounding the future of flag football and the best approach to representing the United States on the Olympic stage. For now, the message is clear: the specialists have spoken.
The next major event for flag football will be the continued development of national teams and preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Keep an eye on USA Football’s website for updates on training camps, player selections, and the evolving landscape of the sport.
What did you consider of Team USA’s dominant performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
