It’s caught on internationally more than has ever been the case for tackle football: There were 32 countries at the men’s and women’s flag football world championships in Finland in August.

In 2023, about 500,000 girls ages 6-17 played flag football, according to an NFHS report in January 2025 — an increase of 63% from 2019.

Now 35, he has played flag — never tackle — since he was 8 years old. He stands 5-foot-7 and 140 pounds, but as he once said, flag football makes quarterback a “size-less position.” ...

Both men’s and women’s flag football will be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with five-on-five games. Six-on-six and seven-on-seven versions also are common.

Game statistics and more were considered when choosing the 2025 Star-Banner All-County Girls Flag Football team. On May 27, every Athlete of the Year winner will be announced at the MESPY's.