Drew Brees Partners with Unrivaled Sports to Boost Youth Flag Football Nationwide

In a game-changing move for youth sports, NFL legend Drew Brees has joined forces with Unrivaled Sports to propel flag football into the spotlight across the United States. Announced today, the partnership aims to expand access to organized flag football leagues, targeting underserved communities and igniting a passion for the non-contact version of America’s favorite game among kids aged 5 to 14.

This collaboration isn’t just about throwing passes—it’s a strategic push to make flag football a household name in youth sports, leveraging Brees’ superstar status to draw in participants and sponsors. With Football ‘N’ America as the flagship program, the initiative promises to establish leagues in at least 50 new cities within the next two years, addressing the growing demand for safer, inclusive athletic opportunities.

Brees, a Super Bowl champion and one of the most accurate quarterbacks in NFL history, brings more than just name recognition. His involvement signals a commitment to fostering the next generation of athletes while promoting values like teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. “Flag football changed my life as a kid, and I want every child to have that chance,” Brees said in a statement. “Partnering with Unrivaled Sports allows us to scale this dream nationwide.”

Brees’ Personal Journey Fuels Flag Football Passion

Drew Brees‘ connection to flag football runs deep, rooted in his early days in Austin, Texas, where he first honed his skills in backyard games and local leagues. Before becoming the face of the New Orleans Saints and leading them to a 43-35 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, Brees was a young athlete navigating the world of youth sports. Now, at 45, he’s channeling that experience into a broader mission.

During his 20-year NFL career, Brees amassed 80,358 passing yards and 571 touchdowns, records that underscore his precision and leadership—qualities he sees mirrored in flag football. Unlike traditional tackle football, which has faced scrutiny over concussion risks, flag football eliminates physical contact, making it ideal for youth sports. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, participation in flag football has surged by over 20% in the past five years, with girls’ programs growing even faster at 63%.

Brees’ post-retirement endeavors, including his work with the Brees Dream Foundation, have already impacted thousands of children through education and sports programs. This new partnership with Unrivaled Sports amplifies those efforts. “I’ve seen firsthand how sports build character,” Brees shared during a virtual press conference. “Flag football is accessible, fun, and safe—perfect for introducing kids to football without the risks.”

The initiative ties into Football ‘N’ America, a comprehensive curriculum developed by Unrivaled Sports that includes coaching resources, equipment kits, and community outreach. Brees will serve as the program’s ambassador, appearing at launch events and providing video tutorials on techniques like his signature short-pass accuracy.

Unrivaled Sports’ Blueprint for Nationwide Flag Football Growth

Unrivaled Sports, a Denver-based innovator in youth sports programming, has built a reputation for transforming recreational activities into structured, high-engagement experiences. Founded in 2015, the company operates leagues in over 30 states, serving more than 100,000 kids annually. Their model emphasizes affordability—registration fees capped at $50 per season—and inclusivity, with scholarships covering 40% of participants from low-income families.

The partnership with Drew Brees marks Unrivaled’s most ambitious expansion yet. Under the Football ‘N’ America banner, they plan to invest $5 million over three years in infrastructure, including pop-up fields in urban parks and partnerships with school districts. Initial rollouts will focus on the Midwest and Southeast, regions with strong football traditions but limited flag football options.

“We’re not just building leagues; we’re creating a movement,” said Elena Vasquez, CEO of Unrivaled Sports. “Drew Brees‘ involvement elevates our profile and ensures we’re delivering top-tier coaching. Imagine flag football tournaments drawing crowds like little league baseball— that’s our vision.”

To support this growth, Unrivaled is rolling out a digital platform for Football ‘N’ America, featuring live-streamed games, player stats tracking, and virtual clinics led by Brees. Early data from pilot programs in Louisiana and California shows a 35% increase in enrollment after incorporating celebrity endorsements, a tactic they’ll replicate nationwide.

Statistically, the timing is ripe. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association reports that flag football now ranks as the fastest-growing sport for youth, with 2.1 million participants in 2023 alone. Unrivaled Sports aims to capture 10% of that market by 2026, using Brees’ star power to secure sponsorships from brands like Nike and Gatorade.

Addressing Barriers in Youth Sports Through Flag Football

One of the partnership’s core focuses is tackling barriers in youth sports, where cost, access, and safety concerns deter participation. In rural areas, for instance, 40% of kids lack organized sports opportunities, per a 2022 Aspen Institute study. Flag football, with its minimal equipment needs—just flags, a ball, and cones—offers a low-barrier entry point.

Drew Brees and Unrivaled Sports are prioritizing equity through Football ‘N’ America. The program includes free clinics for Title I schools and adaptive versions for children with disabilities. “We want every kid, regardless of background, to experience the joy of flag football,” Brees emphasized. His foundation will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million for equipment distribution.

Community leaders are already buzzing. In New Orleans, where Brees is a local hero, the partnership has sparked collaborations with the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs. Similar efforts in Chicago and Atlanta aim to integrate flag football into after-school programs, potentially reaching 50,000 students in year one.

Health experts applaud the safety angle. Dr. Sarah Kline, a pediatric sports medicine specialist, notes that flag football reduces injury rates by 90% compared to tackle variants. “This is a win for physical activity in an era of sedentary lifestyles,” she said. With obesity rates among U.S. youth at 19.7%, initiatives like this could combat that trend while building social skills.

The program’s structure is meticulous: Seasons run 8-10 weeks, with age-appropriate divisions and certified referees. Unrivaled Sports will train 1,000 coaches via online modules, emphasizing Brees-inspired drills for agility and decision-making.

Spotlight on Flag Football’s Olympic Dreams and Community Impact

As flag football gains traction, its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics adds urgency to expansions like this one. The International Olympic Committee confirmed the sport’s debut, projecting global viewership in the millions. Drew Brees, who has advocated for Olympic flag football, sees the partnership as a pipeline to that stage.

“Kids in Football ‘N’ America could be future Olympians,” Brees quipped. Unrivaled’s plan includes elite pathways, with top performers invited to national camps. This mirrors successes in soccer and basketball, where youth leagues feed into pro and international levels.

Community impact extends beyond the field. In pilot cities, flag football programs have boosted school attendance by 15% and reduced youth crime rates in participating neighborhoods, according to local reports. Unrivaled Sports will track metrics like these through annual surveys, ensuring accountability.

Stakeholders from the NFL and USA Football have endorsed the effort. “Drew Brees is the perfect champion for flag football,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a supportive tweet. Partnerships with these bodies could lead to crossover events, blending youth sports with pro showcases.

Educational tie-ins are another pillar. Football ‘N’ America incorporates STEM elements, like physics lessons on trajectory via passing drills, aligning with national standards to appeal to schools.

Future Horizons: Tournaments, Scholarships, and Lasting Legacy

Looking ahead, the Brees-Unrivaled Sports alliance promises a packed calendar of events to sustain momentum. The inaugural Football ‘N’ America National Championship is slated for summer 2025 in New Orleans, expecting 5,000 competitors and live broadcasts on ESPN platforms. Regional qualifiers will dot the map, from Florida beaches to Midwest heartland fields.

Scholarships form a key component, with $500,000 allocated for college-bound athletes excelling in flag football. This addresses the sport’s evolving role in higher education, where over 200 universities now offer varsity programs. Brees envisions a scholarship fund growing to $2 million by 2027, inspired by his own journey from Purdue to the NFL.

Sustainability is baked in: Unrivaled Sports commits to eco-friendly gear and carbon-neutral events, appealing to environmentally conscious families. Marketing will leverage social media, with Brees’ 2.5 million Instagram followers amplifying reach.

Ultimately, this partnership could redefine youth sports landscapes, making flag football as ubiquitous as soccer. By blending celebrity influence, strategic planning, and community focus, Drew Brees and Unrivaled Sports are setting the stage for a healthier, more active generation. As leagues launch, the ripple effects—stronger kids, united communities, and a safer football evolution—will be felt for years to come.