Bradenton’s IMG Academy and South Florida Power Player Production, Fueling the Sport’s Growth from Youth Leagues to the Pros
The state of Texas has once again proven its football pedigree, leading the nation with the most players on NFL Kickoff Weekend rosters, according to data released by the National Football League. With 199 players, Texas edged out perennial powerhouses Florida (179) and California (165), as the league celebrates a nationwide surge in football participation at all levels.
The data, based on the 1,730 players on Kickoff Weekend rosters, showcases a thriving ecosystem of talent development across the country.
While Texas produced the most players, Florida showed its dominance in specific hubs, with three of the top high schools producing NFL talent hailing from South Florida.
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Bradenton’s IMG Academy led all high schools with 17 players, while American Heritage in Plantation and Saint Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale each had nine. Bradenton also topped the list of cities, producing 20 players.
This strong pipeline of talent from high school to the pros comes at a time of remarkable growth for the sport. The NFL, in partnership with various organizations, highlighted a powerful resurgence in football participation, from youth flag leagues to high school and college programs.
“It’s great to see all football partners working together to drive their respective areas of growth of the game of football across youth tackle, high school, flag, and college,” said Roman Oben, NFL Vice President of Football Development.
Youth and High School Football on the Rise
The growth is particularly evident in flag football. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), youth flag football participation among ages 6-17 has increased by a staggering 40% since 2019, with girls’ participation soaring by 89% in the same period. NFL FLAG, the youth flag league, reported over 760,000 participants last year.
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High school football is also experiencing a renaissance. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) reported a 5.7% increase in boys’ tackle football participation since 2021-22, with more than 1,029,000 participants in 2024. Girls’ flag football has seen an even more explosive rise, growing 388% since 2021 to nearly 69,000 participants across over 30 states.
College Football Expands
The momentum continues at the collegiate level. The National Football Foundation (NFF) annual report noted that 777 colleges and universities now sponsor football programs, a net gain of 10 in the past five years. This includes the rapid expansion of women’s flag football, with over 100 colleges offering programs this past spring and more expected to launch soon.
This nationwide expansion and increasing participation underscore the sport’s enduring appeal and its role in creating opportunities for young athletes. The NFL’s data on player origins, with representatives from 46 states, four countries, and a U.S. territory, serves as a testament to the game’s far-reaching impact and bright future.
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