CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – A passion for serving his country and now getting to play for team USA. Charleston’s Michael Better, at 39 years old, will be playing for the United States men’s national flag football team this summer.

The 2024 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Flag Football World Championship is later this summer in Lahti, Finland.

“I had the opportunity to serve my country, I did ten years,” Better said. “Being able to go back over and not just stand for my country, but representation from a global aspect, it means everything to me.”

Better served in the Air Force for 10 years, achieving the rank of E-5 (Staff Sergeant).

He now works as the City of Charleston’s Traffic Safety Inspector. Before that, Better was the city’s Chairman of the Special Commission of Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Conciliation.

He is one of 12 athletes from across the country to make the U.S. National Flag Football team. He is the only player selected from the Carolinas and he says he is proud to represent the Lowcountry.

Growing up in sports, he went into the military after high school. He says he never imagined he’d be playing any sport at this level or at this point in his life.

“Not at all,” Better said. “I didn’t think at 39 years old I’d be playing any sports, let alone flag football and in the capacity I’m playing at.”

Better is also the director of a youth and adult flag football league in Summerville, “Flags R Us.” He and his partner Monae have three children. He hopes his story is an inspiration for everyone.

“Follow your passions, ambitions, and dreams,” he said. I’m 39 years old. They’re young. They have so many opportunities ahead of them and if the first opportunity isn’t there, it doesn’t mean its the end.”

When many hear ‘team USA’ this time of year, you may be thinking of the Olympics. Flag football isn’t in the 2024 Summer Olympics, but the sport makes its Olympic debut on home soil in Los Angeles in 2028.

As for making that team in four years…

“Ask me in 2028,” Better said. “I honestly take it one day at a time. I don’t want to count my eggs before they hatch.”

Better and the U.S. national team heads to Finland on August 23.

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