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The Largest Youth Flag Football League in the U.S.
Serving youth athletes ages 4 to 17 years old across the country. NFL FLAG leagues are no contact, giving boys and girls of all abilities a chance to develop their fundamental football skills in a positive, inclusive environment.
NFL FLAG HISTORY
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In the 1990s, when the NFL launched a global health and wellness initiative called Play Football, they had one goal: to make football accessible for all children—no matter their age, size, or gender. And this is where the idea for NFL FLAG began.
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In 1994, the NFL officially kicked off its first youth camp series at the New England Patriots’ stadium, where they introduced the rules of flag football and taught children how to play. Shortly after, leagues began to pop up nearby in Massachusetts—and they quickly took off. By the early 2000s, youth athletes all over the U.S. were participating in NFL FLAG, from school programs to local park districts to Boys and Girls Clubs.
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Today, with more than 700,000 participants, NFL FLAG continues to evolve. It’s a pathway for female athletes to play in college, as well as an outlet for tackle athletes to compete in the offseason. But as NFL FLAG grows, one thing stays the same: It’s a place for every boy and girl to play football.
Coach Jaha Taylor, from Savannah’s public housing to a professional football career, is a journey that is a testament to his resilience and purpose. After excelling on the football field locally at Jenkins High School and then at Savannah State University, Taylor signed on to a few arena league teams like the Alabama Hammers. Following a severe injury that nearly ended his career, an undeterred Taylor fought his way back, transforming his life into one of service. Today, he mentors youth through various football development programs and is a founding member of Savannah’s first Flag Football National Championship team, B.O.B. With a heart for his community, a commitment to empowering others, and his focus on inspiring young people to dream beyond their circumstances and build brighter futures he is a logical choice to be the first commissioner of the NFL Flag Football program here in Savannah.
Jaha Taylor
Flag Football Commissioner
Born and raised as a Savannah native, Derek Kirkland attended Calvary Day School where he succeeded on the basketball and football teams. At Calvary, Derek received all-region and all-state awards for football and basketball. He also helped lead his basketball team to the final four and his football team to the state championship in his senior year. His senior season he scored 25 touchdowns while averaging 15 points a game in basketball as well. He took his talents to Savannah State University where he played Division 1 football and was named Offensive Player of the Year his senior year. Derek had the opportunity to keep moving and progress in his athletic career but instead, he decided he wanted to help kids reach their athletic dreams. He also decided to help all people reach their goal of being a healthier version of themselves. Exclusive Athletic Training allows him to follow his dreams and push others to follow theirs.
Derek Kirkland
Athletic Trainer
We are extremely excited to announce that we will be bringing the leading and largest flag football program in the world to Savannah and surrounding communities.
