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.