It has been announced that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has been named co-owner and chairman of NFL FLAG, a non-contact league for youth ages 5-17. Wilson is partnering with NFL FLAG to focus on strengthening the organization’s reach domestically while helping to expand the league internationally.
Wilson will be working closely with Reigning Champs Experiences (RCX) President and former NFL safety Izell Reese. RCX is the official operating partner of NFL FLAG and produces some of the country’s premier youth sports events. The two of them will be working together to support league development and growth worldwide for both boys and girls.
“Participating in community events and organized sports as a child can offer countless physical, mental, and social benefits,” said Wilson, who led his team to a Super Bowl win in 2013, in a statement. “These benefits should not be limited to athletes of any age, race, socioeconomic background or gender, and it’s important to create opportunities for boys and girls from all walks of life to be given these same advantages. We want to create opportunities for kids around the world to experience and learn the sport of football and our hope is to grow the popularity of the sport on a global level.”
“Russell is a living example of the positive impact sports can have on young athletes,” said Reese. “He exhibits the qualities we want to instill in our youth on and off the field and shares NFL FLAG’s commitment to making sports accessible to all athletes.”
“Russell’s demonstrated character, leadership, and international experience will guide NFL FLAG as a global sport in which everyone can participate—Football for All,” said Troy Vincent, executive vice president of NFL Football Operations. “Russell’s ability to bring people together and inspire the values of football will be transformational in growth and acceptance of American football around the world.”
There are plans for Wilson to make his first official appearance as co-Owner and chairman at the NFL FLAG Summit in Nevada during the upcoming NFL Draft. He’ll be speaking to NFL FLAG leagues from across the U.S. about new initiatives aimed to better support teams and expand NFL FLAG’s global footprint.
For more information and the latest news about NFL FLAG, visit www.NFLFLAG.com.