How Darrell 'Housh' Doucette III became the face of flag football

Darrell “Housh” Doucette III has become the public face of U.S. men’s flag football by guiding the team through its first loss in international play while still winning the world title. In group play on Aug. 14 at the World Championship in Düsseldorf, Germany, American Samoa—led by former Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa—upset the U.S. 38-32, ending an unbeaten streak at worlds dating to the 2012 final versus Austria. Joining the national team in 2022, the 37-year-old quarterback said he kept teammates focused after “doubts” spread online. The U.S. then beat Australia, Japan, Mexico and Italy to win, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in attendance as flag football prepares to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.