NFL HONORS

Meet Your 2026 NFL FLAG Players of the Year Finalists Presented by Toyota

     

Every season, NFL FLAG athletes across the country show us what it means to compete with heart, lead with character, and uplift their teammates. These finalists embody the core values of the game—Respect, Integrity, Responsibility to Team, and Resiliency—both on and off the field.

     

Female Finalists

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Anna Anderson
Team: KC Shockers (Kansas City Chiefs)

Anna has spent years earning respect on the field, often as the only girl on her team. Now, she leads by example with a balanced mix of grit, leadership, and team-first attitude. Whether stepping in at quarterback when her team needed her or pushing herself to show up every practice, Anna proves that respect is the foundation of her game

ANNA'S STORY COMING IN OCTOBER

     

Sonya Chalil
Team: Texas Fury (Houston Texans)

For Sonya, respect is more than a core value; it’s a way of life. She’s known throughout her program for her dependability, consistency, and effort on every snap. From thanking referees after games to pushing teammates to be their best, Sonya’s leadership shines through her actions. She embodies what it means to be all in, on and off the field.

FOLLOW SONYA'S STORY

    

Ava Rotondi
Team: THT Blue (Pittsburgh Steelers)

As captain of her team, Ava takes responsibility to heart. She’s the type of leader who brings energy, holds herself accountable, and makes everyone around her better. In tough moments, like rallying her team from two scores down in the Pittsburgh regional, Ava shows how trust and commitment to her teammates can change the game.

AVA'S STORY COMING IN DECEMBER


Kayla Tacker
Team: Lady Ghost (Green Bay Packers)

Kayla’s game is rooted in integrity and responsibility to her team. She’s known for putting the needs of her teammates first, showing up prepared, and keeping everyone locked in. In a must-win game for a trip to Canton, Kayla pushed through exhaustion to play both sides of the ball, proving that going all in for your team means leaving everything on the field.

KAYLA'S STORY COMING IN NOVEMBER

Haylee Weatherspoon
Team: So Cal Reign (Seattle Seahawks)

Resiliency defines Haylee’s journey and she doesn’t let mistakes linger. She shakes them off and finds ways to come back stronger. As a captain, she’s known for her humility, selflessness, and ability to bring out the best in her teammates. From encouraging a discouraged teammate mid-game to making clutch plays herself, Haylee’s leadership is all about heart.

HAYLEE'S STORY COMING IN SEPTEMBER

    

Male Finalists

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Wrigley Hamrick
Team: KC Shockers (Kansas City Chiefs)

Wrigley has grown into a leader on and off the field, guided by integrity and a relentless team-first mindset. Known for playing the game the right way—honestly, fairly, and with accountability—he’s become a steady presence for his teammates. Whether lifting a teammate’s confidence during a tough game or leading by example, Wrigley shows what it means to go all in, all season.
 

WRIGLEY'S STORY COMING IN SEPTEMBER

     

Alex Kramer
Team: Yorkville (New York Giants

As quarterback of a brand-new team, Alex quickly learned what it meant to carry responsibility to his teammates. He united a roster of players who’d never played together and led them to a Giants Regional Tournament win. Alex is more than just a play-caller: he’s a mentor, motivator, and leader who celebrates others’ success and keeps his team moving forward no matter the challenge

FOLLOW ALEX'S STORY

      

Kason Turner
Team: HFFL Empire (Las Vegas Raiders

Kason embodies resiliency and integrity in every sense. From staying positive through tough moments to playing through injury in a crucial playoff game, he refuses to let setbacks stop him. Coaches and teammates alike see him as someone who does what’s right, works harder than anyone else, and always shows up for the people around him
 

KASON'S STORY COMING IN NOVEMBER


Cole Ware
Team: JTF (Philadelphia Eagles

For Cole, resiliency means never letting challenges keep him down. He plays with focus and determination no matter the circumstances, always ready to rise to the occasion. Known for his mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure, Cole has proven time and again that he can deliver when his team needs him most. His commitment and steady presence make him a teammate others can count on.

COLE'S STORY COMING IN DECEMBER


Brysen Wright
Team: Jaguars Elite (Jacksonville Jaguars

Brysen’s competitive fire is matched only by his resiliency. Balancing high school football, elite travel tournaments, and NFL FLAG competition, he shows up every time ready to raise the bar. Known for his intensity and leadership, he lifts teammates with his energy and playmaking, like his two key interceptions at the 2025 NFL FLAG Championships that fueled his team’s playoff run.

BRYSEN'S STORY COMING IN OCTOBER


Looking Back: 2025 NFL FLAG Players of the Year

Each year, we honor athletes who set the standard for flag football, and 2025 was no exception.

2025 Winners

Female: Josie Clayton (VA Hurricanes)

Male: Daniel Berry (Metro Select)

These standout athletes delivered incredible performances, inspired their teams, and showcased what it means to lead on and off the field. 

Josie Clayton (VA Hurricanes)

A fierce competitor and dedicated teammate, Josie balances flag football, academics, and community service with excellence. Her coach praises her resilience and leadership, noting that she lifts up those around her—on and off the field.

SEE JOSIE'S JOURNEY

Daniel Berry (Metro Select)

A leader under pressure, Daniel proved his Responsibility to Team when he stepped up in the 2024 Pro Bowl playoffs, leading his team to victory even after losing their starting quarterback. His ability to adapt, lead, and deliver game-changing moments sets him apart.

SEE DANIEL'S JOURNEY

Hall of Honorees

The NFL FLAG Players of the Year Award is more than just a title—it’s a legacy. Each year, new names are added to this growing list of flag football’s most elite athletes.

  • 2025
    • Female - Josie Clayton
    • Male - Daniel Berry
  • 2024
    • Female - Allison Gandlin
    • Male - Ryder Noche

As flag football continues to grow, these athletes represent the future of the game.

Voting Committee Members

Meet the esteemed panel for the 2026 NFL FLAG Players of the Year voting committee:

Demario Davis

Linebacker for the New Orleans Saints

Dedra DeLilli

Vice President, Marketing Communications
Toyota Motor North America

Diana Flores

Mexico Women's National Flag Football team quarterback and NFL FLAG Ambassador

Zaire Franklin

Linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts

Toni Harris

NFL FLAG Ambassador

Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver 

Stephanie Kwok

Vice President of Flag Football at NFL

Phoebe Schecter

Sky Sports NFL Analyst and NFL FLAG Ambassador

Izell Reese

NFL FLAG Executive Director and CEO of RCX Sports

Michele Steele

ESPN Correspondent

Bobby Taylor

Former NFL All-Pro and NFL FLAG Ambassador