College Flag Football

In 2002, the NFL and NIRSA (the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association) joined forces to foster and develop the already existing popularity of college flag football. At its inception, the partnership included leagues and teams from 32 diverse colleges throughout the United States. To get things started, the NFL donated both cash and equipment to burgeoning intramural teams.

The involvement of the NFL led to the development of intramural championships and emphasized the connection between intramural sports and the college experience. It also spotlighted the efforts of the member colleges and universities and their teams. In its first year, students in the intramural leagues received duffle bags filled with equipment. Approximately 50,000 students participated in the program nationwide.

Fun, Exercise, Excellence

Teams that ended the six-to-eight game season with a winning percentage of .500 or higher were invited to playoff tournaments. The fun of college flag football is enhanced by the proximity of each of the 32 colleges to an NFL team, which encourages the enterprise with promotional options for students as well as other kinds of support.

With the subsequent growth of college flag football, a glossy magazine dedicated to the sport was launched and today it has a circulation of almost 30,000. College flag football now holds national championship tournaments each year in New Orleans, attended by approximately 100 teams. For those who are applying to college and who are looking to participate in intramural sports, getting involved with a flag football team can be a great way to work off stress and to meet great new friends.