Hall of Famer, Commanders Legend Darrell Green Trying Out For USA Flag Football

Darrell Green already has a gold jacket as a Pro Football Hall of Famer. He's returning to the field at 66 years old for a chance at a gold medal in flag football.

Green, the longtime defensive back for Washington who hasn't played in the NFL since 2002, is taking part in the national team trials this weekend in Chula Vista, California. He joins a host of athletes trying out with all levels of football experience, from flag to tackle to 20 NFL seasons (see: himself).

At stake is an invitation to training camp next month and possibly a roster spot on the 2026 national flag football squad that will compete at the world championships in Germany this summer. It's just another step in a series of steps ahead of flag football making its Olympic debut at the 2028 LA Games.

"Darrell qualified through our digital combine. He’s later in his career than the other trials participants, but his testing results were impressive," said Callie Brownson, the senior director of high performance and national teams for USA football. "Our coaches and staff felt he deserved a closer look. ... He’s a rare athlete who has stayed in shape and is ready to compete this week."

Green was known for his lockdown coverage skills, blazing speed and durability over a career that spanned 20 seasons. A first-round pick in 1983, Green helped Washington to a pair of Super Bowl titles. He had 54 interceptions and another six in the postseason, including a pick of Jim Kelly in Super Bowl 26 when Washington beat the Buffalo Bills, 37-24.

At 66, Green has his work cut out for him to make the roster. The U.S. men's flag football squad is already the gold standard, winning six of the last seven IFAF world championship tournaments since 2010.

On USA Football’s