The NFL and YouTube are teaming up for a unique and exciting event that bridges sports, entertainment, and creator culture. Ahead of Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 10, the two powerhouse organizations are collaborating on a special flag-football game that will bring together some of the biggest names from YouTube, music, professional sports, and beyond. Set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 8, in New Orleans, this high-energy matchup is part of a broader effort to engage younger audiences, promote the sport of flag football, and deliver an unforgettable experience for fans.
The game, officially called the NFL and YouTube’s Creator Flag Football Game, will feature two teams of seven players each, captained by two of YouTube’s most popular creators: IShowSpeed, who boasts an impressive 35.9 million subscribers, and Kai Cenat, who has amassed 7 million subscribers. Adding a professional football twist, the teams will be quarterbacked by NFL legends Michael Vick, leading Team Kai, and Cam Newton, leading Team Speed. This unique blend of creators, athletes, and celebrities promises to create an electrifying atmosphere, filled with excitement, humor, and memorable moments. The event will stream exclusively on YouTube, with coverage available on the NFL’s channel, IShowSpeed’s channel, and “The Rich Eisen Show” podcast channel.
The lineup of participants reads like a who’s who of modern pop culture and sports. Music stars such as Grammy-nominated rapper Latto, singer and actress Teyana Taylor, rapper Quavo, and rising artist Sexyy Red will take the field. YouTube creators like Deestroying, who is known for his viral football challenges, Mark Phillips, whose comedy sketches have gained millions of views, and Khaby Lame, one of the most-followed TikTok creators, will also participate. Athletes from various disciplines, including Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and college football standout Shedeur Sanders, will showcase their skills, while Diana Flores, the quarterback of Mexico’s Women’s Flag Football National Team, will add an international flair to the competition. This diverse roster ensures that there will be something for every type of fan to enjoy.
This collaboration between the NFL and YouTube is part of a strategic effort to reach younger audiences and position the NFL as a leader at the intersection of sports and culture. With flag football set to make its Olympic debut in 2028, the league is eager to highlight the sport’s accessibility and inclusivity. Ian Trombetta, the NFL’s senior vice president of social, content, and influencer marketing, emphasized that the event is about bringing together the best of sports, entertainment, and creator culture to create an unforgettable experience for fans. By partnering with YouTube, the NFL can leverage the platform’s massive reach and the personalities that drive today’s media landscape.
YouTube’s Angela Courtin, vice president of connected TV and creative studios, echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership is about “bringing fans closer to the action and fun.” By combining YouTube creators, NFL legends, celebrities, and artists, the event offers a unique experience that fans can only find on YouTube. This collaboration underscores YouTube’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of sports entertainment, building community, and delivering fresh, engaging content to a wider audience than ever before.
The game will kick off at 9 p.m. ET on Feb. 8 at the Play Football Field at the Super Bowl Experience sponsored by Panini, located at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. NFL Network commentator Rich Eisen and former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce will start the show, while sports broadcaster Taylor Rooks and NFL pro Andrew “Hawk” Hawkins will call the game. Comedian-actor Druski will serve as the head referee, adding his signature humor to the proceedings. Meanwhile, sportscaster Kay Adams will helm a pregame show on the NFL’s YouTube channel, taking viewers behind the scenes with player arrivals, locker room interactions, and candid moments. Special guest YouTube creators Monet McMichael and Carter Kench will join Adams for the pregame coverage.
This event marks the latest chapter in the NFL and YouTube’s growing partnership. Over the past year, their collaboration has expanded significantly, with YouTube becoming the exclusive U.S. retailer for the NFL Sunday Ticket out-of-home package. The success of previous creator flag-football games, including the 2024 event at Super Bowl LVIII, which generated over 100 million video views across platforms, suggests that this year’s game could draw an even bigger audience. By combining the NFL’s legacy of excellence with YouTube’s ability to connect with younger generations, this event is poised to be a defining moment in the evolution of sports entertainment. It’s not just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon that fans won’t want to miss.
