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Kevin Seifert
multiple authors
PHOENIX — After experiencing the nuances of flag football firsthand, denver broncos Coach Sean Payton said Tuesday he would be “surprised” if there would be any NFL players on the United States team in the near future.
Earlier this month, Payton coached the Founders FFC team – made up of current and former NFL players and captained by tom brady — during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic. The Founders lost both games in the FFC Tournament, including a 43–16 loss to the reigning USA team. Flag football will be an Olympic sport in 2028.
“I think when it was first announced, there was a feeling there would be 10 NFL players on that roster,” Payton said, speaking to reporters at the NFL owners’ meeting. “And I would be surprised if there are any. I think we have a lot of players who can adapt, but it’s going to take a month or two. And then if you’re one of those players, do you have that one or two months? And if you’re training for that, you’re not training for that. [for NFL football]? And so I think it’s in a good place. I thought it was great for our international team, and more importantly, great for the women’s side, because there’s an avenue where they can play football.”
NFL owners approved a policy last year to allow their players to try out for the United States team, although they limited eligibility to a maximum of one per team. Several have expressed interest, but NFL players proved to be a mismatch for Team USA.
Speaking Tuesday, Payton compared the experience to the Home Alone movies.
“He was humble,” Payton said. “You remember the Home Alone series, and [actor] Was Macaulay Culkin in? Well, Macaulay Culkin was the international team and I felt like [defensive coordinator Jim] Harbaugh and I were the two guys outside with head injuries, staggering over a garden hose. It’s a completely different game.”
