Drew Brees Teams Up with Unrivaled Sports to Revolutionize Youth Flag Football Nationwide Before 2028 Olympics

In a game-changing move for youth sports, NFL icon Drew Brees has announced a strategic partnership with Unrivaled Sports to supercharge the growth of flag football across the United States. This collaboration, unveiled today, merges Brees’ established Football ‘N’ America league with Unrivaled Sports’ innovative platform, aiming to engage millions of young athletes just four years ahead of Olympics 2028 in Los Angeles.

The partnership couldn’t come at a more pivotal time. Flag football, a non-contact version of America’s favorite sport, was officially added to the Olympic program in 2020, sparking a surge in interest. With Brees at the helm—a quarterback who led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory and holds numerous NFL passing records—this alliance promises to transform backyard games into a national phenomenon, fostering inclusivity and safety in youth sports.

“Flag football isn’t just a safer alternative; it’s the future of the game,” Brees said in an exclusive statement. “Partnering with Unrivaled Sports allows us to scale our efforts exponentially, reaching underserved communities and preparing the next generation for the global stage.”

Brees’ Football ‘N’ America League Sets the Foundation for National Expansion

Drew Brees‘ involvement in flag football dates back years, but his Football ‘N’ America league has been the cornerstone of his post-retirement passion. Founded in 2019, the league initially focused on introducing flag football to elementary and middle school students in Louisiana, emphasizing fun, skill-building, and teamwork without the risks of tackle football.

Under Brees’ guidance, Football ‘N’ America has already impacted over 10,000 youth in the Gulf Coast region. Programs include weekly clinics, competitive tournaments, and educational workshops that teach not just the rules of flag football but also life skills like leadership and resilience. Statistics from the league show a 40% increase in female participation since its inception, aligning with broader trends in youth sports where girls now make up nearly half of flag football players nationwide, according to the NFL’s own reports.

The league’s success stems from Brees’ personal touch. As a father of four, he often volunteers at events, sharing stories from his 20-year NFL career. “I retired in 2020, but my love for football never faded,” Brees shared. “Seeing kids light up when they score their first touchdown in flag football reminds me why I played the game.”

Now, with the Unrivaled Sports partnership, Football ‘N’ America is poised for nationwide rollout. Plans include launching 50 new chapters in key states like California, Texas, and Florida by the end of 2024, targeting urban and rural areas alike. This expansion will leverage Brees’ celebrity status to secure sponsorships and partnerships with local schools, potentially doubling participation to 20,000 kids in the first year.

Unrivaled Sports’ Tech-Driven Approach Powers the Flag Football Surge

Unrivaled Sports, a rising star in the youth sports ecosystem, brings cutting-edge technology and operational expertise to the table. Based in Chicago, the company has built a reputation for streamlining youth leagues through its app-based platform, which handles registration, scheduling, and analytics for over 500,000 athletes across various sports.

What sets Unrivaled Sports apart is its focus on data-driven growth. Their system uses AI to match players by skill level, track progress, and even predict injury risks—crucial for a sport like flag football that’s marketed as safer but still demands physicality. In a recent pilot program with Chicago Public Schools, Unrivaled’s tools increased flag football retention rates by 25%, as coaches could provide personalized feedback via mobile dashboards.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Drew Brees and Football ‘N’ America,” said Unrivaled Sports CEO Maria Gonzalez. “Our platform will make flag football accessible to every kid, regardless of background. Imagine a world where a child in rural Alabama gets the same coaching insights as one in Los Angeles— that’s the equity we’re building.”

The integration will see Unrivaled’s tech embedded in all Football ‘N’ America programs. Features include virtual reality training modules endorsed by Brees himself, live-streamed games for remote families, and a national leaderboard to gamify participation. This tech infusion addresses a key barrier in youth sports: accessibility. With rising costs and logistical hurdles, Unrivaled’s model reduces fees by 30% through efficient resource allocation, making flag football viable for low-income families.

Industry experts hail the move as transformative. “Unrivaled’s scalability combined with Brees’ brand is a powerhouse,” noted sports analyst Dr. Elena Ramirez from the University of Southern California. “This could elevate flag football from niche to mainstream, especially with Olympics 2028 on the horizon.”

Flag Football’s Olympic Journey Accelerates Youth Engagement

The inclusion of flag football in Olympics 2028 has been a catalyst for this partnership, igniting a fire under youth sports advocates. Approved by the International Olympic Committee in 2020 alongside sports like cricket and lacrosse, flag football will make its debut as a six-a-side, non-contact event, showcasing speed, strategy, and athleticism on a global stage.

USA Football, the sport’s governing body, reports that flag football participation has skyrocketed 20% annually since the Olympic announcement, with over 600,000 kids now playing nationwide. This growth is fueled by its inclusivity: no pads required, lower injury rates (concussions are 75% less common than in tackle football, per a 2022 study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine), and appeal to diverse groups.

Brees, who has long championed safer alternatives, sees the Olympics as a turning point. “Olympics 2028 will put flag football in front of billions,” he emphasized. “Our partnership with Unrivaled Sports ensures American youth are ready to compete—and win.” The duo plans Olympic-focused initiatives, like a “Path to Paris-to-LA” talent pipeline, scouting promising players from age 8 upward.

Broader context reveals why this matters. Youth sports face challenges: a 2023 Aspen Institute report found that 70% of kids quit organized sports by age 13 due to burnout or access issues. Flag football, with its low barriers, counters this trend. In states like Georgia and Nevada, where it’s already a high school varsity sport, graduation rates among participants are 15% higher, linking physical activity to academic success.

The partnership will also prioritize diversity. Football ‘N’ America and Unrivaled aim for 50% female and 40% minority representation in new programs, partnering with organizations like the National Girls Flag Football League. Quotes from young athletes underscore the impact: “Flag football gave me confidence I never had in other sports,” said 12-year-old Mia Johnson from New Orleans.

Community Impacts and Long-Term Vision for American Youth

Beyond the field, this Drew Brees–Unrivaled Sports alliance promises ripple effects on communities. In an era where youth sports are under pressure from sedentary lifestyles and screen time, flag football offers a vibrant outlet. CDC data shows that regular physical activity reduces obesity risks by 30% in children, and programs like this could address the epidemic affecting 1 in 5 U.S. kids.

Economically, the partnership stimulates local economies. Tournaments hosted by Football ‘N’ America have generated over $500,000 in Louisiana alone through vendor sales and tourism. Scaling nationally, experts project a $100 million boost to youth sports infrastructure by 2028, including new fields and coaching certifications.

Challenges remain, however. Critics worry about over-commercialization, but Brees counters: “Our focus is purity of the game—fun first, competition second.” Unrivaled’s nonprofit arm will donate 10% of platform fees to underfunded schools, ensuring equitable access.

Looking ahead, the collaboration eyes international outreach. With Olympics 2028 in LA, pilot programs in Mexico and Canada are slated for 2025, fostering cross-border rivalries. Brees envisions a legacy: “This isn’t just about one event; it’s about inspiring generations to stay active and dream big.” As flag football hurtles toward Olympic glory, this partnership positions U.S. youth at the forefront, blending star power, tech innovation, and grassroots passion for a safer, more inclusive future in sports.

Stakeholders are already buzzing. The NFL, which owns flag football‘s international rights, has pledged support, while Olympic officials praise the initiative’s timing. For families, schools, and communities, the message is clear: the flag is up, and the race to 2028 has begun.