Justin Jefferson Named as Global Flag Football Ambassador
On Thursday afternoon, the NFL and IFAF announced that Vikings star wide receiver would be joining the Flag Football Ambassadors team as the latest NFL Pro Bowler to become an ambassador of flag football across the world. On the sport, Jefferson had the following to say for the joint press release from the two organizations,
“Flag Football is an awesome sport and a great way for kids to learn some of the fundamentals of football,” Jefferson said. “I was able to play in the first Pro Bowl Games with Flag Football as a sport, and it was an incredible experience for me. I love the pace and the concepts of Flag, that is why I am so excited about becoming a Global Flag Football Ambassador. It is truly a sport for all, and I can’t wait to work with the NFL to help continue the growth of this great game.”
Jefferson won the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award in 2022, tallying league-highs in both receptions (128) and receiving yards (1809) while also catching 8 touchdown passes. Over the course of his three years in the league after being selected in the first round of the 2020 Draft, he has recorded 324 receptions for 4825 yards. These are both NFL records for any player through their first three seasons.
The Vikings star joins other stars, past and present, like Torry Holt, Mike Rucker, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. This past season, the NFL’s Pro Bowl was changed to the Pro Bowl Games, putting an emphasis on showcasing players’ skills while also showcasing flag football in events such as an AFC vs. NFC showdown. The sport of flag football is very close to being the latest sport added to the summer Olympic Games as well and could be an addition to the 2028 Games that will take place in Los Angeles, California.
In the press release, the organizations describe ambassadors as “Legends, coaches and officials…who will work together to further raise the profile and promote the unique values of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.”
Holt and Rucker will be present at the 2023 IFAF Americas Continental Flag Football Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, which will take place from July 5th-7th.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
