During the 2017 NFL Flag season, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected The Duval Dynasty, the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida's NFL Flag all-star team, to represent the franchise at the Pro Bowl this year. Before they depart on Thursday, January 25 to compete for a championship against other NFL market teams on a national stage, Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette surprised each player with a brand new pair of gold Under Armour cleats, the same cleats he wears on game day.
"It meant a lot to be able to give back to the kids who are chasing their dreams," said Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette. "I hope their new shoes will help them achieve similar results on the field that we've had this season. I wish them the best at the Pro Bowl next week."
Coach Rickie Simon and Coach Tim Terry will lead the team and provide the X's & O's to compete against the highest level of flag competition around the country. Prior to the Jaguars' Wild Card playoff game against Buffalo, Commissioner Roger Goodell and Jaguars Owner Shad Khan presented both coaches with tickets and an all-expense paid trip to Super Bowl LII to show their appreciation for the unwavering dedication and commitment the two coaches have displayed to local youth sports initiatives in the community.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida held its first tournament this past spring for kids aged 5-16 to participate in three different locations throughout Duval County.
The Jaguars and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida introduced participants to best practices for physical health, combined with a goal to achieve comprehensive, overall well-being through NFL Flag Football that will last a lifetime.
Coach Simon, who also serves as the Boys & Girls Club unit director, said the Jaguars NFL Flag Football League provided an opportunity for members to participate in an organized sporting event outside of the Club's parameters. Simon, a Boys & Girls Club alumni himself, attributes his background of playing football as a child at the Club as a big part of why he wanted to provide an opportunity for kids to learn how to play the game.
The Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida noted that the implementation of NFL Flag resulted in a tremendous jump in the club's retention rate because it has helped keep teens engaged in after-school programs and events.
