All-News4JAX flag football: Fletcher’s Jasmine Cross found love for the sport in elementary school
Jasmine Cross developed her passion for flag football as a third grader, playing catch and pickup games with her father long before the sport gained high school traction. As the only girl on her youth team, she learned to lead on and off the field, mastering the quarterback role against older competition. At Fletcher High, Cross emerged as a versatile offensive force, earning Varsity 4 All-News4JAX flag football player of the year honors. She credits those early experiences for her poise under pressure and now looks forward to advancing both her athletics and academics at the University of North Florida.
NFL flag football summer program celebrates last game of the season
The Rolling Youth Foundation wrapped up its inaugural NFL flag football summer program with a thrilling 48–42 finale between teams wearing Jaguars, Titans, Falcons and Texans jerseys. Founded by Erice Williams and supported by coaches John Sallie and Demarious Pratt, the camp paired older mentors with younger athletes, emphasizing teamwork, safety and skill development. Referees Darian Stitten and Willie Greene kept play fair in a high-energy match that showcased the campers’ growing talent. After the whistle, families cheered under NFL-branded tents as each player received a certificate, then celebrated with pizza, cookies and cold drinks. The program’s success signals a bright future for youth flag initiatives linked to the league.
US flag football players want to end ‘us vs. them’ narrative with NFL
Emerging U.S. flag football stars are pushing to shift the dialogue away from a perceived rivalry with the NFL, advocating for collaboration rather than competition. Led by players like Darrell Doucette, they argue that both leagues share goals of showcasing elite athleticism and expanding the sport’s audience. By proposing joint clinics, mixed exhibitions and shared marketing efforts, they aim to demonstrate how flag football complements traditional tackle football. Their campaign also seeks to leverage NFL resources to bolster grassroots programs and support potential Olympic ambitions. This united-front approach could redefine how mainstream fans and media view flag football’s place in the broader football ecosystem.
