As the NFL season kicks into high gear, the Seattle Seahawks are making waves beyond the field with their commitment to girls’ sports. Recently, at Lumen Field, they unveiled a new wall dedicated to celebrating over 90 high school girls’ flag football programs throughout Washington State.
During the Seahawks’ home opener on September 8, local girls’ flag athletes were invited for an exclusive first look at the wall dedication—a moment that embodies the spirit of inclusivity and opportunity in football.
“We believe that everyone should be able to play football, no matter who they are,” says Mario Bailey, the Seahawks’ Vice President of Community Engagement & Legends and a former NFL player. “Flag football is an incredible, low-barrier way to play the game we love. We want every girl in our state to have the opportunity to play football, with hopes that some will even reach college and the Olympics in LA 2028.”
This initiative not only celebrates the growth of girls’ flag football but also lays the groundwork for a larger movement aimed at getting girls’ flag football sanctioned as an official sport by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA).
In a significant step forward, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) recently declared girls’ flag football an officially sanctioned sport—the 13th state to do so—thanks to a successful collaborative effort between the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. This decision reflects the rapid growth of the sport at the youth level, with over 100 teams participating across Pennsylvania.
“We’re thrilled that Pennsylvania has been sanctioned; it means more girls across the country will have the chance to play flag football,” Bailey adds. “The momentum is undeniable, and we are confident that it’s not a matter of if—but when—girls’ flag football will be sanctioned in Washington. The Seahawks are committed to highlighting the girls playing in our state and providing them with opportunities.”
Nationwide, high school participation in girls’ flag football has skyrocketed, with nearly 43,000 girls participating in the 2023-24 season—a remarkable 105% increase from the previous year. RCX Sports and NFL FLAG are actively supporting NFL clubs and governing bodies to create these opportunities.
“We’re committed to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for female athletes,” says Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports. “By collaborating with the NFL and our partners, we aim to ensure that girls can not only play flag football but also feel empowered to pursue their dreams in the sport.”
Looking ahead, the Seahawks will continue to spotlight the girls currently playing in Washington and make grants available to schools interested in launching a program. The Seahawks have also kicked off a new collection, “The Future of Football is Female,” with 12% of proceeds going to girls’ flag grants in Washington.
“Those interested in supporting this initiative can talk to their athletic directors and school administrators,” Bailey says. “And if it isn’t available, we encourage them to keep advocating for it.”
The wall dedicated to girls’ flag football at Lumen Field is more than just a tribute; it represents a movement—one that strives to make football accessible to all.
“We know that representation matters,” Bailey concludes. “If girls walking through our stadium see that other schools in the area are represented on the wall, it might inspire them to advocate for the sport at their own schools.”
