Russell Wilson is on fireeeeee!!!
Wilson, a quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks was just named co-owner and chairman of NFL Flag, a new non-contact league for youth ages 5-17, Black Enterprise reports.
The highest paid player in the National Football League is partnering with NFL FLAG to help expand the league globally and strengthen the organization’s reach. Wilson will be working with former NFL safety Izell Reese, who is the President of the Reigning Champs Experiences (RCX). RCX is the official operating partner for the new youth league and is known for producing some of the country’s leading youth sports events.
Wilson issued a statement about his new endeavor saying, “Participating in community events and organized sports as a child an offer countless physical, mental, and social benefits. These benefits should not be limited to athletes of any age, race, socioeconomic background or gender, and it’s important to create opportunities for boys and girls from all walks of life to be given these same advantages. We want to create opportunities for kids around the world to experience and learn the sport of football and our hope is to grow the popularity of the sport on a global level.”
The news comes on the heels of Wilson’s announcement of his third child with his R&B superstar wife Ciara. The couple has been focused a lot lately on creating a lasting legacy for their children, also recently becoming stakeholders in the Seattle Sounders soccer team.
“Russell is a living example of the positive impact sports can have on young athletes. He exhibits the qualities we want to instill in our youth on and off the field and shares NFL FLAG’s commitment to making sports accessible to all athletes,” Reese said.
Troy Vincent, executive vice president of NFL Football Operations echoed those sentiments saying, “Russell’s demonstrated character, leadership, and international experience will guide NFL FLAG as a global sport in which everyone can participate – Football for All. Russell’s ability to bring people together and inspire the values of football will be transformational in growth and acceptance of American football around the world.”
An official announcement of Wilson’s new position as co-owner and chairman of NFL FLAG is expected to come at the upcoming NFL Draft.
For more information about the league visit www.NFLFLAG.com.
Congratulations Russell!
Photo Courtesy of the National Football League