NFL getting into the pro flag football business
PHOENIX — The NFL is getting into the pro flag football business.
The league announced Monday that it, along with partner TMRW Sports, will develop and launch leagues for both men and women. The NFL toured a list of famous alumni as investors, including former quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Steve Young and Eli Manning, and current players Arik Armstead, Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner.
Former receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who played for the Cardinals and still lives in the Valley of the Sun, was part of Monday’s announcement at the Arizona Biltmore. Fitzgerald praised the move, calling himself a former flag player.
Former tennis stars Billie Jean King and Serena Williams and former soccer star Alex Morgan were also listed among the investors.
The NFL has for years been interested in flag football and sees the potential for growth leading up to the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will feature the sport. The NFL estimates that 4.1 million kids in the United States play flag football.
Shanhan rips Aussie trip
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he didn’t see any positives to his team opening the season against the Rams in Australia. He said it was “cool for the league to play globally” but that “there’s not much benefit to it” for the 49ers, who will not get a Week 2 bye. The 49ers, amazingly, will be the home team in Mexico City in December.
Two home teams on the Bears’ road schedule — the Falcons and Lions ¬ have yet to announce an international opponent. The Falcons are playing in Madrid and the Lions in Munich.
Notes
• The NFL will hold Super Bowl LXIII in 2029 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. • The NFL and TMRW Sports will develop pro flag football leagues for both men and women, with former quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Joe Montana among the investors.
• Packers coach Matt LaFleur said he’s “got to do a better job of communicating” after receiving a B- in the NFLPA survey.