Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive tackle Arik Armstead is among those who have invested in a new professional flag football league.
On Monday, the NFL announced that it is partnering with TMRW Sports to create a men’s and women’s flag football league.
Advertisement
“This initiative comes at a time of unprecedented global momentum for flag football, as the sport experiences rapid growth, expanding commercial interest, and increasing engagement from prospective investment, media, and sponsorship partners,” read a press release from the NFL. “Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with approximately 20 million players worldwide. The new professional league will serve as a crucial anchor in the broader flag football ecosystem, completing a full athlete‑development pathway that spans youth play, high school and collegiate programs, professional competition, and ultimately the Olympic stage at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.”
Also noted in the release is the rapid growth of flag football, with participation at the youth level up more than 50% since 2020. There are also 39 states that offer flag football at the high school level. More than 100 universities also offer women’s flag football.
In addition to Armstead, investors who still currently play in the NFL include Bobby Wagner and Russell Wilson. Other investors include Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Steve Young, Larry Fitzgerald, Tom Brady, Eli Manning and others.
Advertisement
Last offseason, the NFL owners voted to allow current players to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games, which will include flag football that year.
Armstead was a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft by San Francisco. He is about to embark on his third NFL season with the Jaguars.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: NFL professional flag football league: Jaguars’ Arik Armstead among investors