The inaugural Flag Football Classic, initially set for Saudi Arabia but relocated to Los Angeles, kicked off on Saturday with plenty of buzz. The big question leading up to the event was whether NFL players could outplay Team USA in a face-off, as both sides aim to represent the United States in the 2028 Olympics when flag football debuts in Los Angeles.
Let's dive into the rosters, which featured a mix of current and former NFL stars.
Founders Team:
- QBs: Tom Brady (retired), Jalen Hurts (Eagles)
- RBs: Ashton Jeanty (Raiders), Alvin Kamara (Saints)
- WRs: DeVonta Smith (Eagles), Stefon Diggs (free agent)
- TE: Rob Gronkowski (retired)
- EDGE: Von Miller (free agent)
- CB: Patrick Peterson (retired)
- Safeties: Antoine Winfield Jr.
(Buccaneers), Damar Hamlin (free agent)
- Special Guests: Terence Crawford (boxer)
Wildcats Team:
- QBs: Joe Burrow (Bengals), Jayden Daniels (Commanders)
- RB: Saquon Barkley (Eagles)
- FB: Kyle Juszczyk (49ers)
- WRs: Davante Adams (Rams), Odell Beckham Jr. (free agent), DeAndre Hopkins (free agent)
- LB: Luke Keuchly (retired)
- CB: Jalen Ramsey (Steelers)
- S: Derwin James Jr.
(Chargers)
- Special Guests: Logan Paul (wrestler), IShowSpeed (streamer)
Some notable absences included Deebo Samuel, Myles Garrett, and Tyrann Mathieu, who were initially slated to participate. Coaching the Founders was the Broncos' Sean Payton, while the Wildcats were under the guidance of the 49ers' Kyle Shanahan. Titans head coach Robert Saleh served as a defensive specialist for both teams.
The action started with Team USA facing off against the Wildcats, securing a decisive 39-14 victory. Team USA's superior flag-pulling skills, a crucial aspect of the game, were evident from the start. They then took on the Founders, winning 43-16.
In the final showdown, Team USA again met the Wildcats, winning 24-14. Across three games, Team USA dominated, scoring touchdowns on nearly every drive except those ending in kneel-downs to run out the clock.
Despite initial doubts about Team USA's competitiveness against NFL talent, they emerged victorious with a combined score of 106-44. Originally, the tournament was to feature three teams of eight pros, but the move to Los Angeles expanded rosters to 12 players, allowing Team USA to join on short notice.
This outcome casts doubt on the idea of an NFL "Dream Team" for the 2028 Olympics. Team USA's performance suggests they are currently in a league of their own in flag football. The NFL, which did not sponsor the event and may have concerns about player participation during training camp in 2028, likely got more than it bargained for in this classic showdown.