Global play and entertainment company Hasbro, Inc announced a partnership with NFL Flag to become the official supplier of footballs and flag belts for NFL Flag league play in the U.S. The partnership represents a definitive return to sports for the Nerf brand, which will put footballs and gear directly into the hands of thousands of NFL Flag athletes across the country.
As part of the partnership, Hasbro will supply Nerf-branded footballs and flag belts to more than 1,600 NFL Flag leagues, serving over 500,000 participants in all 50 states starting Summer 2021. NFL Flag athletes ages six and under will compete with Nerf-style, foam footballs, and older athletes (7+) will use a traditional composite, regulation Nerf football. In addition, Nerf will create unique branded experiences at year-round NFL Flag Regional Tournaments held in major markets across the country as well as the NFL Flag Championship held during Pro Bowl.
Hasbro will also supply footballs and flag belts for the NFL Flag ‘Flag in Schools’ program; an initiative that distributes sporting equipment and gear to schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels each year.
“Thanks to our partners at NFL Flag, Nerf will be the very first ball kids play with as they begin their football journey and progress through the NFL Flag Football League,” said Teresa Pearson, Sr. Director of Global Brand Marketing & Development for Nerf. “We’re honored to join the NFL Flag’s mission of delivering the excitement of youth football, and the importance of active play, to communities and families across the country. We can’t wait to watch Nerf footballs fly!”
In addition to the partnerships’ supply agreement, NFL Flag-branding will be featured on Nerf including an “Official NFL Flag Partner” emblem on packaging at select retail locations beginning Spring of 2022.
“Nerf is an iconic brand that’s synonymous with the fun, competition and excitement of youth sports,” said NFL Flag Executive Director Izell Reese. “We’re proud to call Nerf the official football and flag provider of NFL Flag and look forward to providing the best flag football experience and equipment to NFL Flag athletes of all ages.”
NFL Flag is a fun and accessible non-contact league made available for youth ages 5-17. Flag football is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, with regular participation of more than 3 million youth and adults each year.
Fans can find additional information about the brand, products, and partnerships on social (Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube) and on the website. Athletes interested in joining NFL Flag, can visit NFLFlag.com for more information and to join a league near them.