With the Super Bowl just days away, Radio Row is buzzing. Big names from the world of football come and go, promoting their latest projects.
But a startup football league, with a team in Dallas is also getting a lot of the buzz.
As the American Flag Football League (AFFL) prepares for its highly anticipated debut in April, Brian Michael Cooper, COO & President of the AFFL, feels like he and his league stand at the forefront of a football revolution.
"Our game is inclusive, dynamic and ubiquitous," Cooper said of the AFFL and flag football in general. "It is 7-on-7 on a traditional football field so...you're going to see all those great catches...and be able to see them a lot clearer because you're gonna be able to see how the routes are run. You get to see the great catches. Those sideline tiptoe catches. The fighting for the ball between the defensive back and the wide receiver. All those things...that make the game dynamic."
The AFFL's inaugural season will feature teams in four cities: Las Vegas, Nashville, Boston and Dallas.
The Dallas franchise was recently named the "Ocelots."
“We've been having our first organized training activities in each of the markets, and so we've also evaluated some new players through that," Cooper said. "On the Dallas team, we have three members of the US national team—Eric Holliday, Corey Webb, and Bruce Mapp. We've got some great players."
Cooper emphasized that the AFFL is committed to not only delivering exceptional performances but also to providing entertainment at accessible prices.
"What's great about our product is that it's very accessible, very affordable. Lowest price to get in is $14, so a great chance to see some great things on the weekend with the family,” Cooper emphasized.
One of the most significant leaps in promoting flag football is its increasing popularity. With the sport earmarked to be featured in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the interest and participation in flag football are surging.
“It's growing in leaps and bounds. I think over the next four years as we get ready for the Olympics and see this sport on an Olympic stage, it's only gonna get bigger," Cooper added.
The AFFL's inaugural season kicks off with games at Cashman Field in Las Vegas on April 27.
There will be regular season games in North Texas on May 4 (at Vernon Newsom Field in Mansfield), and June 8 (at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco).
The season comes to a head with the AFFL Championship on Saturday, June 22 at The Ford Center at The Star.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube