NFL FLAG at the 2025 NFL Draft: Fun, Family, and the Future of Football
More than 600,000 fans packed the streets around Lambeau Field during the 2025 NFL Draft, creating an unforgettable atmosphere and a true celebration of the game’s future.
Inside the bustling Draft Experience in Titletown, the NFL FLAG booth gave young fans and families a chance to join the excitement firsthand. Kids could square off against friends or family members in a fast-paced flag-pulling contest, testing their reactions and quickness for a little friendly bragging rights.
It was simple, energetic, and a fun way for young athletes to experience a piece of the Draft weekend.
NFL FLAG League Operators Making an Impact
While the booth gave families a glimpse of NFL FLAG, the real growth is happening back home—where YMCA programs across the Fox Cities region are building something special. And at the Draft Experience, it was our own league operators—Jensen Hinton, Brandon Thielen, and Zach Dougherty—who were on-site helping run the NFL FLAG booth.
Jensen, Brandon, and Zach all help lead NFL FLAG leagues through the YMCA of the Fox Cities, working across three different branches. While each branch runs its own league, they collaborate closely to grow the sport across the region—and the impact is clear.
"We run separate leagues at each location, but we all work together and support each other," Jensen said. "We offer coed play for ages 4 through eighth grade, and it’s really focused on keeping it fun and accessible."
Jensen’s league already has over 325 participants, and they’re preparing to launch an all-girls division this fall to expand even further. "The NFL FLAG logo brings a lot of value, knowing we have a strong backing," he added. "And the process of getting started was much easier than I thought. There’s a lot of flexibility with NFL FLAG—especially with us being a Y—so we didn’t have to change our whole program."
Brandon Thielen, overseeing a league with about 450 players, said NFL FLAG filled an important gap in their community’s spring sports offerings. "We didn’t have much outside of Little League. NFL FLAG gave kids something new to get excited about," Brandon said. "You really get to know the community, the parents that work there, and the businesses that sponsor us—it’s been great for building connections."
Zach Dougherty, who works with about 350 players at his branch, sees NFL FLAG as a key entry point to the sport. "We start so young, and I think we do a great job of being that first contact for kids," Zach said. "Especially when they’re not sure if they like football yet—having a fun, positive first experience is huge."
And the excitement sticks beyond the season.
"We’ve had parents tell me their kids want to wear their jerseys to school, and they’re looking up NFL stats—that kind of connection at a young age is really cool," Zach said.
Across all three branches, the focus stays on fun, growth, and community.
"Our league is really a breath of fresh air," Jensen said. "We have kids who play competitive basketball, but when it comes to flag football, they just want to hang out with their friends and have fun. That’s what we’re here to offer."
Family Fun
For Connor Lynwood, 14, the NFL Draft in Green Bay was a day he won’t forget—starting with the fact that he got to skip school to be there. "It’s really fun. And I’m hoping to get an autograph from Luke Musgrave," Connor said.
Connor and his dad, Todd Lynwood, took in everything the Draft Experience had to offer—including a stop at the NFL FLAG booth, where Connor jumped into the flag-pulling contest against his dad.
Connor has been playing flag football since he was four years old and currently competes on an NFL FLAG team.
"I like tackle and flag," he said. "But flag is more fun because there are more NFL players involved, and we get to compete against other teams from different states—and even other countries. It’s fun playing against new teams and making new friends."
Todd, who has coached Connor and his teammates over the years, sees flag football as a perfect foundation. "I tell the kids that playing flag is the same as tackle—you buzz your feet, break down—it’s just with your hand instead of your shoulder," Todd said. "Plus all the running, catching, throwing, and receiving. It’s all there."
Connor will be back soon—heading to the NFL FLAG Regionals in May, with his sights set on a spot at the NFL FLAG Championships.
Partners Powering the Experience
NFL FLAG’s presence at the Draft Experience was strengthened by key partners who helped bring even more excitement to families across Titletown.
Jersey Mike’s Subs showed up big with their on-site activation, offering fresh subs and great energy throughout the weekend. Toyota also continued their support of NFL FLAG, creating new ways for families to engage with the game during the Draft.
Together, they helped deliver a weekend packed with memories, smiles, and a celebration of football’s next generation.
Get Involved
If you're ready to get involved, now’s the time.
Find a league near you, start a team, and be part of the growing NFL FLAG family.