Play Football

Camps, activities, flag and tackle leagues show the NFL’s commitment to helping young athletes and their families learn the values that are unique to football.

The NFL’s Play Football initiatives provide a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages and skill levels, equipping young people with vital, transferable life skills that are building blocks to success in life on and off the field.

Visit the NFL Play Football website

“Playing football helps kids develop their leadership, self-discipline and teamwork skills — all while having fun,” said Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. “We support initiatives across the country that provide young players and their families with an inspiring, fun environment.”

Roman Oben, NFL vice president of football development.

Roman Oben is currently the NFL’s Vice President of Football Development, where he works with NFL’s 32 teams, corporate, and football partners to drive the league’s youth football strategy encouraging participation in tackle and flag football.

Born in Cameroon, West Africa, Oben moved to the U.S. when he was four years old and grew up in Washington, DC. As a teenager, he worked concessions at Washington Football Team games at RFK Stadium.

Oben played college football at the University of Louisville where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics and was inducted into Louisville’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. Oben’s professional career began with the New York Giants in 1996 and continued in Cleveland playing for the Browns. In 2002, he helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers capture their first championship in Super Bowl XXXVII and was later traded to the San Diego Chargers where he started at left tackle and finished his playing career in 2008.

Starting in more than 90 percent of the games throughout his 12-year NFL career, Oben concurrently earned a master’s degree in public administration at Farleigh Dickinson University in May 2001.

After retiring from the NFL, Oben held business development roles and had an extensive media career covering the Giants on MSG, My9 and NBC; Oben also served as a recurring guest on several MSNBC shows discussing sports and their larger societal impact.

Oben has been a leader and advocate for youth sports enrichment, receiving countless awards for community service both as an NFL player and off the field.

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In partnership with youth camps, summer season programs, team-level initiatives and NFL Legends, the league emphasizes proper technique, teamwork and sportsmanship that support and benefit every player.

Meet the NFL Legends Youth Advisory Committee

Go to NFL Play Football to learn more about the league’s youth football efforts, including information on:

Youth football leagues – whether you’re looking for camps, activities, or leagues, there’s a youth football program for you and your family.
Preparation – find quick, simple tips on nutrition and hydration to help set up your kids for success.
NFL Way to Play – from tips for players to resources for coaches, learn proper technique from the best in the world.
Latest news – stay updated on the latest youth football news and videos.

Use #PlayFootball to join the conversation!

“These NFL Legends are dedicated to the love of the game, the values it transfers to life, and to serving communities by sharing their experience and knowledge with parents, coaches and players,” said Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations.

Current members of the advisory committee:

Mark Brunell
Nate Burleson
Trent Dilfer
Maurice Jones-Drew
Willie McGinest
Jordan Palmer
Chad Pennington
Michael Robinson
Deion Sanders
Bobby Taylor

NFL Foundation Youth Football Camp Grants for Legends

The NFL Foundation's Youth Football Camp Grant Program recognizes NFL players, Legends and coaches who give back to their communities and provide positive examples for participants by emphasizing sportsmanship and community involvement.

In 2017, more than 350 camps were held across the country, giving more than 80,000 kids the chance to play and be active in a healthy and fun environment. The NFL Foundation has awarded more than $7 million in grants since 1998.

NFL CLUB INITIATIVES

All NFL clubs have dedicated staff who create community-based programs for youth and high school athletes. Through these programs, players and coaches learn and understand the shared values and unique experiences that they gain from football.

Increasing accessibility and removing barriers to playing football is an important part of the NFL’s mission. NFL clubs connect future generations of players by inviting high school teams to their facilities, hosting programs for local kids and sponsoring games within the community.

Many clubs use the resources offered by USA Football, the NFL Foundation and local organizations to educate and empower players, parents and local youth and high school coaches.