Exclusive Interview: Phoebe Schecter On 2026 NFL FLAG Championships

The ESPN flag football analyst talks about what to watch for during this year’s championships, how new fans can understand the sport, and why its Olympic future matters

The third annual NFL FLAG Championships are taking place in Westfield, Indiana on July 24–26. Ahead of the competition, we sat down with ESPN commentator, Great Britain player, and global NFL flag football ambassador Phoebe Schecter. In this exclusive interview, Schecter shares some of her favorite sports moments, how flag football differs from tackle football, and why channeling your “inner Shakira” can be key to successful play.

Note: This article is adapted from an interview with Phoebe Schecter

Our Interview With Phoebe Schecter

Topics covered during the conversation include flag football rules, the biggest misconceptions about the sport, women’s role in its advancement, and what a new location for the 2026 NFL FLAG Championships means for the tournament.

Watch A Clip From The Interview

What was your path to becoming a commentator for the 2026 NFL FLAG Championships?

Schecter

“I became a commentator for the NFL FLAG Football Championships in 2026 [through my work as an] NFL analyst in the UK.“

I’m also one of the NFL's global flag ambassadors and play flag football for Great Britain, as I have dual citizenship. ESPN reached out after I did a flag football demonstration at the NFL owners and GM meeting three years ago, so this is my third year working with ESPN at the NFL FLAG Football Championships.

What do you find most exciting about calling flag football games and can you share a memory that really stands out?

Schecter

What I find most exciting about commentating flag football is watching athletes of all ages. At these championships there [are] over 3,000 kids, from 8U through to 17U (teams of kids ages 8 and under through 17 and under), and it’s incredible to see the feats of athleticism. 

“As someone who plays, [it’s exciting] to see how they're changing what flag football looks like, from play calling to the coaching, defense and offense.”

And when I think about special moments it's always [the players’] stories. 

Last year, Texas Fury [won], but there was this really special moment for Ava Wallace, who used to be the starting quarterback for Texas Fury. It was her last year, she's aging out, and there was a special moment between her and Emery Beckett, who’s coming in to take over her spot, and they had a double quarterback play. There was the excitement of them coming together, and they [won] it all. To see [the dynamic between them, like], “now I'm gonna crown you and it's up to you to lead this team forward,” I think that's what's so special.

When you're calling a game, how do you balance explaining the flag football rules and telling the athletes’ stories? 

Schecter

When I'm commentating, I’m trying to find a healthy mix [for] people who are brand new to the sport, tuning into flag football for the first time, and sharing stories. There's a couple things that play a role because the game goes so quickly. You have a 25-second play clock between each play and that’s what makes 5-a-side flag football so exciting. 

“It's important to tell athletes’ stories because this is the future of our sport.“

These [players are] potentially going to the global games down the road and represent their countries. There's this element of, this is Brysen Wright, he's 14 years old, and made this incredible catch over everyone, but he's also a tackle player and plays flag football. We want to make it as relatable as possible but keep that education piece in there as well. Sometimes stories [flow] right into each other, because an athlete may be great because they also play basketball, volleyball, or soccer. It's important that we highlight that the sport is for everyone and it's around the globe as well. These athletes could potentially go to the global games and experience flag football on the biggest stages out there.

The 2026 NFL FLAG Championships are positioned as a major stage for youth flag football. What makes this year's event feel especially important?

Schecter

“This year's event is at a brand new venue just outside Indianapolis, near the Colts training ground, and it feels like you're in this flag football world.”

Previously, we've been at the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, so there’s the excitement of somewhere new, exploring the area, and seeing all the teams locally. But it's always about the competition. The game is getting bigger, better, faster, and stronger, even from last year. I brought up Brysen Wright earlier, a kid that just made an absolute highlight viral catch over somebody. There's more and more of those athletes coming to life and we get to capture that and talk about it. The level of competition is so tough, so close, and everyone understands what's at stake now. They all want to become NFL FLAG Champions, so they leave it all on the line. This is the biggest competition [of the year] and they work all year long to even qualify.

What does national and international coverage do for players and families who are used to competing at a local level?

Schecter

Having national and international coverage makes the game feel even more global. [People are] asking for the players' autographs because it's [inspiring] and they [dream of becoming] their idols. I always love watching, especially toward the end of the day on Sunday, the 17U Girls Championships or the 15U Boys. Every age group looks up to [the next] to see that pathway of, this is who I want to be or where I want to get. 

“Now everybody can watch these games. [You] can watch the talent and this sport at the most elite level and that's a game changer.” 

[There are] teams from [around the world, including] China, Australia, and Brazil represented, and [viewers have] never seen flag football played at this level on TV or live streamed. Now [people] can actually watch it, [making the sport] feel so much more attainable and achievable.

Other than the flags, how does flag football differ from tackle football?

Schecter

There are a few differences from tackle football. For example, flag football is a 5-a-side non-contact version of the game. When you're looking at the [gameplay, there are] four downs to achieve halfway, then another four downs to go down. The scoring systems are the same, so you have six points for a touchdown. The biggest difference is that you then get to go for one point from the 5-yard line, or two points from the 10-yard line. We also have some elements on the field, like the 5-yard line going into the end zone, [that we call] the no-run zone. Essentially, you can’t have a running play, and this is really important, because we try to make sure the game stays non-contact. You also have that at the halfway mark, so five yards before the halfway mark.

“When you think it might be fourth and one, and someone's going to try and reach the ball out and run through somebody, you can't actually run the ball in that situation.” 

It must be a pass play. Other than that, the quarterback, or whoever receives the ball first who's deemed the quarterback, is not able to run. They must hand the ball off, and the second person to receive the ball is able to run with it. So there’s a few different nuances. You can't jump in flag football, but you can lower the height of your hips, which is where that special dip move comes in. 

Ultimately, the game has fewer barriers to entry. All you need is a football, some flag belts, and the rules are more condensed. It’s easier and more fast-paced, [so lots of] people fall in love with the sport.

Which flag football rules or positions should new viewers understand if they want to really get into the game?

Schecter 

If you are new to the sport and trying to focus on certain positions, the center [is important]. The center is the person who snaps the ball to the quarterback. 

“However, the difference between flag and tackle is that the center is an eligible receiver. Once they snap the ball, they are eligible to run a route and receive the ball.” 

Defensively, the other [player] that stands out is what we call a rusher or a blitzer. This person will be lined up seven yards from the line of scrimmage [with] their hand raised and they have the opportunity to run straight to where the quarterback is, to try and pull their flag. They essentially have an imaginary alley giving them the right of way to that quarterback. Those are two very nuanced positions in flag football, but super crucial ones. Your blitzer or rusher can totally change and impact a game, because that quarterback is under so much pressure with only seven yards of scrimmage and maybe another five afterwards. Ultimately, they have to make a decision in under three seconds.

What is one misconception about flag football that disappears once you watch a high-level competition?

Schecter 

One misconception around flag football players that really goes away the instant you watch it is the toughness of the athletes. They are playing football to the fullest ability, [with] contested catches and flying flag poles that simulate a tackle. 

“The game is unbelievable and you can't help but fall in love when you see athletes going full speed.”

Non-contact doesn't mean that there isn't incidental contact, like in basketball. These players leave it all on the line and get you so enthusiastic about watching it with the incredibly evasive moves they pull out on the field.

As girls’ and women's flag football creates more pathways into the sport, what has changed for female athletes in recent years?

Schecter 

I love this question. When we're looking at flag football, a lot of times it's synonymous with the female athletes involved in the sport. Women and girls have played a big role in helping flag football [get] to the level that it is. Over 20 states have sanctioned [flag football as a] high school varsity girls sport. 

“The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) offers scholarships and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recently referred to flag football as an emerging sport, declaring [that there will be a] championship game in 2028.” 

[And] that's just for women. [There are] lots of role models, [like] Diana Flores and Ashlea Klam, leading the way [as] incredible, inspirational women for the next generation. The sisterhood that we all have is what makes this so special. One of the things [people] love [about] this sport is the community, and it’s strong across the globe.

As a player and commentator, what do you notice in players that casual fans might miss?

Schecter 

One of the things [viewers] may not recognize right away is [everyone’s] different shapes, sizes, and abilities. There is a position for everyone on the flag football field. I always say it, but you need to embrace your “inner Shakira” when you're playing flag football. But truly, you get to see different skill sets. [Some players] have an incredible football IQ, a great catching radius, or maybe it's the intangibles. 

“Some of the 10-plus-year-olds [I’ve met have] leadership skills come out, [like the] ability to build resilience and teamwork. Flag football [brings] that to the field and sets [kids] up for the rest of life.” 

One of the best things about flag football that’s unique is the evasive moves you have to use. [By] “inner Shakira,” [I mean] the way she moves her hips, [as that correlates to] how [players] have to be evasive. As a defender, you're trying to pull this really thin flag. If you [have] someone moving their hips around, spinning and dipping, you have to have [a] salsa-like mindset in your brain to try and keep that person away from pulling your flags. So, I always make sure everyone embraces their “inner Shakira,” because [having that mindset] makes you want to do that little hip flick she does.

With flag football headed to the Olympics in 2028, how has that spotlight changed the way young athletes think about the sport?

Schecter 

The spotlight has completely shifted because there truly is a direct pathway to success. Young athletes are now honing in on a sport. They’re developing not just their skills on the field, although lots of people are seeking coaching, ways to get better, and become experts, but [there’s a] mentality shift. 

“They’re starting to think, how do I [act] like a potential professional athlete? From sleep, to recovery, to nutrition, to getting into the gym. It's pretty special to see how that's changed, because it was never even an option before.” 

Why does flag football appeal to people worldwide?

Schecter 

It's the quick, fast-paced nature of the sport and the athleticism of these incredible men and women. Even our youth setup as well, their understanding [of the game and] the [way the] quarterbacks can throw [is] just next-level. There's an integration of stealing from other sports as well, taking those multi-talented athletes. [When] you watch [flag football] and see a little bit of a soccer or basketball player in an athlete, you can start to relate. 

All those pieces come together and you can really appreciate someone doing a diving flag tackle, pulling [a flag] that's [around] 2 inches wide, going full speed. 

“You don't necessarily have to understand the game immediately, but once you watch it, you can't help but fall in love and want to pick up a football and flag belt yourself.”

What would you say to people who are new to flag football and are interested in playing?

Schecter 

You can start later in life and get involved or start at six years old. I would recommend finding a local team, [they have them for] age six to adult, masters, and beyond. 

“It's just a great way to build a community, a social event, or if you want to be incredibly competitive, start that pathway to become an elite international athlete as well."

More To Know About Flag Football & The NFL FLAG Championships

If you’re new to the sport, here are some quick facts to get you up to speed ahead of this weekend’s tournament.

What is flag football? 

It’s a non-contact version of American football where defenders stop the ball carrier by pulling flags attached to the players, instead of tackling.

Is flag football an NFL sport?

Yes, it’s an official NFL-backed format through NFL FLAG.

Where are the NFL FLAG Championships 2026?

The July 24–26 tournament will take place at Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana.

Where can you watch the NFL FLAG Championships? 

ESPN is providing live coverage with games available on ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, Disney+, Disney XD, and Disney Channel, with all games streaming on the ESPN App.* All NFL FLAG games are not fully unlocked, but they will be available on the ESPN App.** Find out where to watch each game with the NFL FLAG Championships schedule.

*Content subject to change. U.S. residents, 18+ only. A limited sampling of content from ESPN is now available to all Disney+ subscribers. Upgrade to a plan that includes ESPN to access the full ESPN on Disney+ experience; terms apply.

**Must be subscribed to the ESPN Unlimited plan or a pay-TV package that includes the applicable network to stream all games on the ESPN App. A subset of games will also be available on the ESPN App to ESPN Select plan subscribers.