JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jaguars PREP organization is sending two flag football teams to the upcoming NFL Flag Championships in Canton, Ohio, from July 18-21. This is the first tournament to be televised on ESPN due to the growing popularity of the sport.
Asher Ghioto, a 15U Jaguars Prep pass rusher and receiver, said it hasn't even sunk in. "It's crazy to even think about because I used to grow up watching ESPN and Sports Center and now that I'm going to be on it is a wild thing to me."
Only the best of the best get to represent their city at the first televised NFL Flag Championships. All the players on the 15-and-under team from Jacksonville play tackle football, but during the offseason, they sharpen their skills with flag football.
David Price, a 15U Jaguars Prep assistant coach, said that's hard work and that's what these kids are about. "That's how they got to this level. This is a hand-selected team, so there are plenty of kids that wish they could be in this situation, so they're built for it."
Two hundred eighty teams will be at the championship tournament. Price said this team has a pretty good shot at making it all the way, especially with their diverse skill set.
Price said that's what he tries to tell these guys: athletically, they're going to be the best athletes on the field. "But we're going to run into some teams that don't play tackle football. They've been playing flag since they were seven."
The "first-of-its-kind" tournament is just the beginning. Pass rusher and receiver Ghioto said that while he soaks up this moment, he can't help but think of the little ones who'll be in the stands.
"The kids following in our footsteps looking up to us, especially the younger generation. It's really cool knowing that the younger kids are looking up to us and when we go up there, they can watch us on TV."
The four-day tournament starts on July 18, which means flag football fans can enjoy 32 hours of live flag football competition. The teams will be sent off this Sunday, July 14, from Main Event on Philips Highway.
You'll be able to watch on ABC, Disney Channel, Disney XD, and ESPN Deportes, and streaming on Disney+, ESPN+, and NFL+. On top of that, the NFL Flag Championships will be available in over 125 countries, including live coverage in Mexico, Brazil, throughout Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.