The Indianapolis Colts announced that they have achieved their "Road to 100" goal, recruiting 108 Indiana high school girls flag football teams — surpassing the original 100‑team target. The announcement came on the final day of the NFL FLAG Championships at Grand Park in Westfield, where the team celebrated the milestone alongside players, coaches and community leaders.
With girls flag football now an IHSAA emerging sport, the next step is full sanctioning, a prospect that could arrive as early as May 2027. The Colts' push aligns with a broader surge in participation, as the number of teams has ballooned from just eight in 2023 to over a hundred today, spanning more than 50 cities and towns across the state.
The growth has been fueled in part by a $1 million investment from the Irsay family, aimed at launching teams and providing resources for the fledgling sport. This financial commitment underscores the organization's belief in the program's potential to create new opportunities for young women.
Voices from the Field
Colts Owner & Chief Brand Officer Kalen Jackson highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that girls flag football offers a unique platform for empowerment and leadership among high school athletes. "We are thrilled to see the sport expand and to provide pathways that were previously unavailable," she said.
IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig echoed the sentiment, praising the Colts' vision and investment. "Their support has been instrumental in turning an emerging concept into a tangible reality for Indiana's youth," he noted.
The milestone not only marks a significant achievement for the Colts but also signals a transformative moment for girls' sports in Indiana. As the state prepares for potential full sanctioning, the momentum suggests that flag football could become a staple of high school athletics, expanding participation and fostering inclusive competition.