It is no secret that the sport of flag football is gaining plenty of popularity in the world. The NFL chose to change up the format of the Pro Bowl, including a seven-on-seven flag football tournament between the NFC and AFC, which has been well received.
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The sport itself has grown to the point where it will now be included in the Olympics in 2028. Though there has been drama on the spot regarding the professional athletes who play in the sport and NFL players wanting to play in the Olympics, the sport itself continues to gain traction.
During the Pro Bowl Games 2025, the NFL and NFL Flag held the first-ever HBCU flag football tournament at the event. Multiple teams from across the country provided 250 athletes to play in the tournament.
Izell Reese giving advice to young flag football players at the Pro Bowl Games 2025
RCX Sports
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The tournament was held in partnership with the NFL, NFL Flag, and Toyota. Dedra DeLilli, Vice President, Marketing Communications at Toyota had this to say about the tournament:
“Toyota’s partnerships with the NFL and NFL FLAG are rooted in advancing football for all and uplifting the next generation of superstars. Toyota has been a long-standing supporter of HBCUs, and The NFL FLAG HBCU Tournament Presented by Toyota is an extension of that support.”
“Our aim with the tournament is to shine a light on the critical role HBCUs have played in the explosive growth of flag football and to provide the opportunity for these phenomenal athletes to showcase their skills and connect with a broader audience through this first-of-its-kind platform. The NFL FLAG HBCU Tournament Presented by Toyota not only highlights the legacies of these athletes and their schools, but it also creates a platform for future athletes to shine and share their stories on a national stage.”
Newsweek Sports also caught up with Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports, Executive Director of NFL FLAG, and a seven-year NFL veteran. Reese stated:
“HBCUs are playing a crucial role in elevating flag football to the next level. The expansion of flag football within HBCUs is a testament to the sport’s rapid growth and its potential to shape collegiate athletics. Thanks to initiatives led by RCX Sports and the NFL and collaborations with conferences like the CIAA, flag football has seen impressive growth across HBCUs. By fostering competitive programs and increasing participation, HBCUs are helping to build a strong case for NCAA sanctioning.”
“Outside of HBCUs, flag football’s inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympic Games program, led by efforts of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and supported by the NFL and RCX, further underscores the sport’s rapid growth overall. Flag football is the world’s fastest-growing sport, played by over 20 million people in more than 100 countries, across six continents. It is the most inclusive and accessible format of football, played by people of all ages and genders, with female athletes driving some of the fastest growth.”
With the rapid growth of the flag football sport being involved in the Pro Bowl Games and the Olympics, expect to see even faster growth in the space for the foreseeable future.
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