Flag Football is on the rise. And the sports world is taking notice.

Last month, The Wire had the chance to speak with Ricky Hufty and Chelsea Parmer, prominent figures in the flag football world. Their excitement and dedication to growing flag football and creating opportunities for young athletes was infectious. And the team at Signing Day Sports is looking to continue to build on the sport’s momentum.

Today, we hear from Jacob Lapp, a league coordinator with NFL Flag. The company is confidently and rapidly putting flag football on the map. NFL Flag manages leagues all over the country and has most recently spearheaded the addition of the sport at the collegiate level.

Lapp provides insight into why the sport is growing so quickly and how young athletes are benefiting from additional opportunities.

Interview with NFL Flag 

“It’s becoming massive – plain and simple,” said Lapp. “We’ve been laying the groundwork for a while, but flag’s popularity has skyrocketed recently after our partnership with the NFL and the additional opportunities that it’s created.”

We briefly discussed the sports’ background and differences with “normal” football. The most glaring of which is how flag football is more skill-based than its alternative. With the threat of being hit by a linebacker, or blindsided by an edge rusher gone, athletes are able to hone in on their skill. Route-running and evasive maneuvers are far more important to a team’s success.

“Typically, we’ll see that flag football athletes need to focus on conditioning more than tackle football players,” explained Lapp. “Everyone’s slotted into the depth chart in a skill position so the need to be explosive each and every play is huge.”

It’s an exciting way to watch football – suffice to say. Every play feels like it could be a highlight in a tackle football game. A quarterback scramble. A quick catch by a receiver who’s forced to juke their way through an onslaught of defenders. The list goes on.

Expanding Horizons: A Pathway to Collegiate Athletics

But the rise of the sport isn’t just about offering an alternative viewing experience for fans. It’s also about creating tangible pathways for young athletes to pursue their dream of playing collegiate sports.

“Flag football provides an incredible opportunity for athletes to shine in a way that might not be as feasible in traditional tackle football,” noted Lapp. “In a sport where agility, quick decision-making, and precise ball handling are bigger deals, athletes can truly showcase their skills. This opens doors to collegiate recruitment that might not have been as readily available otherwise.”

Ottawa University Flag Football Team at the Championship Game in Atlanta, GA

The bridge between high school flag football and the collegiate level has grown sturdier. Many athletes are finding themselves on the radar of college coaches due to their standout performances in flag football leagues. And it’s not just the powerhouse NCAA programs that are taking notice; the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and lower NCAA divisions are increasingly offering flag football scholarships.

Lapp emphasized, “Flag football is not just a sport for recreation. It’s becoming a legitimate pathway to college athletics. Coaches are recognizing the unique skill set that flag players bring to the table. This isn’t just about playing for fun; it’s about pursuing a dream, and we’re seeing athletes achieve it.”

Personal Growth and Team Dynamics

Beyond the clear athletic advantages, flag football cultivates personal growth and enhances team dynamics. Athletes learn the importance of communication, trust, and quick decision-making. These attributes are not just valuable on the field, but also in life beyond sports.

“Teamwork is critical in flag. It’s not about one superstar carrying the team; it’s about a cohesive unit working together to achieve a common goal,” Lapp commented. “And that’s a skill set that’s transferable to any aspect of life.”

Bright Future for Flag Football

As flag football continues to surge in popularity, the horizon for athletes has never looked brighter. The sport’s agility-focused nature, collegiate recruitment opportunities, and emphasis on teamwork are reshaping the landscape of youth athletics.

Flag football’s growth isn’t just a fad; it’s a revolution in how athletes perceive and engage with sports. Unlike the traditional grind of tackle football, flag football presents a nuanced, skill-based alternative that resonates with today’s generation of players. The focus on agility, quick decision-making, and precise ball handling aligns perfectly with the kind of athleticism required in the modern sports landscape.

Jacob Lapp’s observations hit the nail on the head: “There’s something special about flag football. It’s changing lives, providing avenues to higher education through sports, and delivering exhilarating entertainment for fans. We’re just at the cusp of what this sport can achieve.”

Indeed, the emergence of flag football as a bona fide pathway to higher education is the manifestation of a shared vision among athletes, educators, and sports enthusiasts alike. The sport’s power lies in its inclusivity and adaptability – qualities that resonate with aspiring athletes across the spectrum. It has become a realm where dedication, skill, and teamwork are recognized and rewarded.

(Top Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News)