In the United States, more than 1.5 million kids between the ages of six and 12 play flag football.
That’s nearly 100,000 more children than those who play tackle football and represents an increase of 38 percent over the past three years.
Instead of rejecting that trend, the NFL has embraced it and has pledged to give annual grants to 400 Boys & Girls Clubs for flag football programs designed to reach 100,000 players ages 6 to 18.
To popularize the sport even further and ingratiate it with regular football fans, the league-owned NFL Network broadcast 11 games of the newly formed American Flag Football League over the summer.
The growing sport also has another high-profile supporter: NFL MVP candidate Drew Brees.
Brees, who did not play tackle football until he was in high school and credits flag football for much of his development, co-founded a flag football league called Football N America and is the coach of his young sons’ teams.
And, like many parents, he’s uncertain about a football future that doesn’t involve flags.
“It’s every parent’s decision if, and when, they want their kids to play tackle,” Brees told The New York Times. “We are armed with more information than ever before, and there is more coming every day. Flag is where I developed my love and passion for the game. Maybe some will pursue tackle. If they don’t, I hope they had a great time playing flag and appreciate the game. If parents feel like the only option is tackle, then there’s a danger that a whole generation of kids may never be introduced to the game.”
The NFL seems to have recognized this and appears to be doing what it can make sure football, flag and otherwise, remains relevant.
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