As fireworks light up the sky this 4th of July weekend, it’s the perfect time to talk about something else that unites Americans across age, region, and background: football.

Yes, football is officially America’s most popular sport, and the numbers back it up. A 2023 Gallup poll confirms what many of us already knew—football remains the most watched and followed sport in the country, far surpassing basketball, baseball, and soccer in overall fan interest. The NFL continues to dominate television ratings, while youth and amateur participation are surging like never before.

Let’s talk about how we got here—and where we’re going next.

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Football is No Longer Just a Fall Thing

From 7-on-7 tournaments lighting up the spring to the rising tide of offseason flag leagues, football has evolved into a year-round opportunity for players, coaches, and fans.

The 7-on-7 circuit gives skill players (and DBs like mine!) the chance to sharpen their tools, build chemistry, and compete without the physical toll of full-contact football. These tournaments are becoming travel-team level serious, with some regions treating spring 7v7 like AAU basketball.

And now, even spring pro football is taking off…

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UFL Is Here to Stay — And DC Brought Home the Crown

This spring, the newly unified United Football League (UFL) gave fans more to cheer about—and as a proud DC Defenders season ticket holder, I’m hyped to say we brought home the league’s first-ever title.

The 2024 UFL Championship Game saw the DC Defenders defeat the Birmingham Stallions and lock in their place in history. The game wasn’t just exciting—it marked the beginning of what looks like a strong future for spring football in the U.S. This league isn’t just filling a gap in the calendar—it’s becoming part of the football landscape.

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Flag Football is Exploding

From Olympic recognition to growing participation at the youth and high school levels, flag football is booming:

• It’s set to debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
• Girls’ flag football is now a sanctioned high school sport in over a dozen states and expanding fast.
• Flag programs are being embraced by the NFL, USA Football, and youth organizations across the country.

Flag football gives athletes the ability to learn the game, compete, and stay active year-round—all while reducing the risks tied to full-contact play.

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NIL Is Shifting the Mentality

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities have changed the mindset of athletes across all levels.

Young football players—high schoolers included—can now legally earn money by building their personal brand. This has created a whole new wave of motivation. Kids are seeing that hard work, discipline, and smart decision-making can pay off sooner than ever before.

For coaches and mentors, it’s a new opportunity to teach life skills alongside Xs and Os.

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Inclusion, Innovation, and the Future of the Game

The growth of football isn’t just about more teams or more TV time. It’s about accessibility, creativity, and connection.

• Fantasy football and legal gambling have made the sport more interactive and engaging for fans of all ages.
• Football is now a co-ed game, with girls playing in everything from rec leagues to varsity flag programs.
• Safer versions of the game—like flag and 7-on-7—are answering concerns about concussions and CTE, helping the sport evolve responsibly.

The bottom line? Football is more inclusive than ever, and that’s fueling its growth.

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Final Whistle: Football is Bigger Than Just a Game

This Independence Day, as we celebrate freedom, family, and tradition, it’s clear that football has become one of America’s defining passions.

It’s not just for Sundays anymore. It’s not just for boys. It’s not just about the NFL. From youth leagues to the Olympic stage, football is growing because it welcomes everyone—and offers something for everyone.

Let’s keep building smarter athletes, sharper minds, and stronger communities.
Let’s Get to the Football.