"The guys had a really good time," Fitzgerald said. "I think they had a greater appreciation for how skilled the U.S. players were. They were like, 'Man, these dudes can play, like, they're really talented guys.' They may have walked in thinking this is an interesting thing that we can do, but I think the level of respect really rose as the competition began."
In anticipation for the Olympics, the pro league will showcase to the world that the United States is committed to the future of the sport. NFL teams voted unanimously to allow players to participate in the Olympics although details continue to be ironed out.
Throughout Arizona, multiple high school girls flag football players have represented Team USA in various competitions. In USA Today's Top 25 high school rankings, three schools are located in Arizona, headlined by No. 2 Hamilton High School.
This past season, Fitzgerald was in attendance to watch Hamilton play. On Hamilton's roster is Moriah Green, the granddaughter of Cardinals Ring of Honor member and star wide receiver Roy "Jetstream" Green.
"You kind of saw (the sport's growth)," Fitzgerald said. "It's really growing. These young ladies and men are very talented, and I think more scholarships will be available for them as they as they continue to grow the game."
The NFL continues to expand its footprint across the globe and flag football will do the same. Arizona residents have the opportunity to watch the talent right from their backyard.
Soon, the world will get to see it.
"They can play it in high school, and they can play it in college, and now they can play it professionally, and now they can win a gold medal doing it," Fitzgerald said. "I just think it was a natural progression, and I'm really excited that these young women (and men) around the globe will be able to represent their countries and their cities and be able to play this game that we all love."