Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was named the co-owner and chairman of NFL FLAG – a youth flag football league sponsored by the NFL.
The NFL targeted Wilson with the hope of strengthening the league domestically while also expanding internationally.
Wilson’s new role will include working with Reigning Champs Experiences (RCX) President Izell Reese, who played in the NFL from 1998-2005. They will work to develop the league and help growth for both boys and girls.
RCX is the official operating partner of NFL FLAG and produces some of the country’s premier youth sports events.
“We want to create opportunities for kids around the world to experience and learn the sport of football,” Wilson said. “Our hope is to grow the popularity of the sport on a global level.”
According to the press release, Wilson will make his first official appearance as co-owner and chairman at the NFL FLAG Summit in Nevada during the NFL Draft, where he’ll speak to NFL FLAG leagues from across the U.S. about new initiatives aimed to better support teams and expand NFL FLAG’s global footprint.
Wilson recently became part-owner of the Seattle Sounders and is an investor in the Portland Diamond Project – a group dedicated to bringing Major League Baseball to Portland – so it’s no surprise to see him investing more into the sports world, although this is his first foray into ownership of youth sports.
