Flag football could be on the verge of breakthrough in U.S., Illinois

flag football women's game
A U.S. flag football game. Photo credit USA Football

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Flag football has been gaining in popularity and is expected to grow even more, now that it’s been added to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

More than seven million Americans played flag football last year, with the biggest gains among women and girls, according to USA Football. The Indianapolis-based organization will select the men’s and women’s national teams.

Eric Mayes, Director of High Performance and National Teams for USA Football, says more than 30 colleges and junior colleges have teams for women.

Illinois is one of six states to set up a pilot program for high school girls, while flag football is a sanctioned varsity sport in more than a dozen states.

Tyreek Hill and Rob Gronkowoski have recently talked about wanting to represent the country in flag football.

Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Featured Image Photo Credit: USA Football