PRO NFL PLAYERS WHO LOVE FLAG
October 12, 2022
For most NFL players, their love for football never ends. It’s a passion that drives them to be dedicated to the sport in every way.
So it’s not surprising to hear about pros who love flag football, too. In fact, some even run their own flag football leagues. Here’s a look at four players who have brought flag football to their communities:
When QB Russell Wilson decided to kick off his own flag football league, backed by the Seattle Seahawks, his goal was simple: to make football fun and accessible for every kid. And then, in just three years, his league took off.
“It’s really important for kids to use an experience like NFL FLAG to learn, build relationships, get smarter, challenge themselves to be better, get outside—to do all of these things,” Wilson says.
And today, Wilson continues to support the Seattle Seahawks Flag Football league, appearing at regional and national tournaments, so he can encourage kids of all levels to get the most out of football.
Like Russell Wilson, Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins also hosts his own NFL FLAG football league for elementary and middle school boys and girls.
“This program is a great way to not only grow the game of football but help push something I’m very passionate about: youth health and wellness,” Hopkins says. “I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and am looking forward to making some unforgettable memories.”
Former wide receiver Donald Driver owns and operates his own youth flag football league called Driven Flag Football. Driver explains that he aims to help foster an environment where kids feel included when learning the fundamentals of football.
“From the moment a player steps onto the field, we want them to feel a sense of belonging,” he says. “We establish this by providing the opportunity to develop fundamental football skills in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment.”
After former safety Izell Reese retired from the NFL, he decided to take on a new title: “Game changer for good.” Reese became the executive director of NFL FLAG before transitioning to the role of CEO at RCX Sports, where he’s committed to creating positive youth sports opportunities—including flag football.
“My hope for youth participating in NFL FLAG is the lessons that come with teamwork and the value of lifelong friends,” he says. “I have friends that I’ve had since the first time I put on a helmet.”
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill recently kicked off his very own NFL FLAG program for boys and girls, located in South Florida.
For Hill, creating this youth flag football league hit home. “I am dedicated to providing kids with opportunities I didn’t have growing up and teaching them skills that they will need to be successful in life and in sports,” he says.
And as his league is set to launch next month, he’s more ready than ever. “This league will be like no other,” he says. “We will be great, we will be fast, and we will be legendary. Cheetah, out.”