Updates

The NFL and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) announced the fourth team of Global Flag Football Ambassadors to amplify and support the long-term growth of the game worldwide.

Demario Davis, Stefon Diggs, Lamar Jackson, and Taylor Rapp are among the latest to join an all-star team of men and women, including current American and flag football players, Legends, coaches and officials as ambassadors who will work together to further raise the profile and promote the unique values of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

“I am thrilled to serve as a Global Flag Football Ambassador for the worldwide expansion of flag football,” said Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills wide receiver. “I am proud to contribute to the efforts made by the NFL to grow the momentum to give flag football the global exposure it deserves.”   

The Flag Football Ambassadors team – first announced ahead of the NFL season kickoff earlier this year – supports the combined global efforts of the NFL and IFAF to increase awareness, interest, and participation in flag football internationally and drive the development of the game.

Earlier this month, the NFL announced the transformation of the Pro Bowl, renaming the event The Pro Bowl Games. Taking place in Las Vegas in 2023, the week-long celebration of player skills will feature an exciting new format that spotlights flag football.

Played by people of all ages in more than 100 countries around the world, flag football is poised for even greater expansion as the cornerstone of the NFL’s domestic and international participation and development strategies. Momentum is growing behind the sport following its debut at The World Games in Birmingham, Alabama earlier this year with IFAF preparing to launch the biggest cycle of elite international flag competition, including full continental representation for the first time in 2023.

The newest members of the Global Flag Football Ambassador team are:

• Demario Davis – New Orleans Saints Linebacker
• Stefon Diggs – Buffalo Bills Wide Receiver
• Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens Quarterback
• Taylor Rapp – Los Angeles Rams Defensive Back
• Liz Sowers – Women’s Flag Football Coach, Ottawa University
• Charlie Ward – Former Florida State Quarterback and 1993 Heisman Trophy Winner

The global appeal of the international athletes selected highlights the scope and ambition of the group to grow the game worldwide but also points to the impact international players have on the NFL.

The previously announced ambassadors with international ties are:

• Osi Umenyiora, the first British-born player to win a Super Bowl. Umenyiora was born in London to Nigerian parents and now works to raise the profile of the game in Europe and Africa. 
• Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions wide receiver who is a German national who speaks fluent German and French, thanks to his German-born mother.
• Desiree Abrams, founded the National Women’s Football Officials Association that seeks to accelerate opportunities for female football officials.

“I am honored for this opportunity to join forces with the NFL and IFAF, as well as elite athletes and coaches, as we open eyes across the world to the game of flag football,” said Liz Sowers, Ottawa University head coach. “I am excited to use my platform to help grow this game and to highlight the impact that this sport has on equity and inclusion. If you have any previous idea of what you think 'flag football' is, I challenge you to get rid of that idea, and buckle up, because this is about to be a crazy ride. This is the first time we can finally say, 'Football is for everyone.'"