There are hot takes, and then there are the takes of USA Flag Football quarterback Darrell Doucette. Doucette claimed his flag football IQ makes him better than Kansas City Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes responded via his social media with a classic 50 Cent meme.

With flag football set to be an Olympic event for the first time in 2028, Mahomes is one of several NFL players who have expressed interest in representing the U.S. However, Doucette objects to the idea that he should be replaced from the Chiefs star just because of his status, via TMZ Sports.

“At the end of the day, I feel like I’m better than Patrick Mahomes because of my IQ in the game,” Doucette said. “I know he’s the best in the league right now, I know he’s more accurate, I know he’s got all these intangible skills, but when it comes to flag football, I feel like I know more than him.”

Is Doucette right?

Darrell Doucette’s opinion is valid even though he is not with the Chiefs

It’s one thing that Doucette advocates for a fair and equal selection process for all athletes. It’s quite another that he describes himself as better than a three-time Super Bowl winner in his prime.

But Doucette is understandably frustrated that more well-known athletes may be taking the places of non-NFL players who have spent years specifically coaching flag football (via the Guardian’s Ramon Antonio Vargas).

“I think it’s disrespectful that they automatically assume that they can make the Olympic team because of who they are – they didn’t help put this game in the Olympics,” Doucette explained. “The guys who helped put this game where it is today deserve respect.”

While Doucette is right to advocate for a fair trial, distancing himself from the NFL world isn’t a good idea either. Mahomes is rightly considered the top dog in the sport right now, and it likely wouldn’t take him long to get used to the rules of flag football if he were selected for the team.

Although the 2028 Games in Los Angeles are still a long way off, it might be worthwhile for both sides to consider a compromise. A team featuring the game’s pioneers and the NFL’s biggest stars seems like the best way to keep everyone happy.