Patriots Open Flag Football Fields in Düsseldorf – Munich U14 Team Crowned First NFL Flag Champion
NFL Players give opening ceremony a special vibe
American football is no longer just big on TV – it's made its way right into the heart of Germany. With a vibrant football festival under clear blue skies, the New England Patriots and the City of Düsseldorf officially opened two new flag football fields at the sports complex in Düsseldorf-Garath – a bold statement for the steadily growing football community in Germany.
Adding a truly special touch to the event were active NFL players Marcus Jones and Cole Strange, who traveled to Germany in the off-season to meet fans, sign autographs, take photos, and celebrate the sport in style. They were joined by Patriots legends Sebastian Vollmer and Markus Kuhn, creating unforgettable memories for fans of all ages.
German Football Legend is honored with a special field
Alongside the Patriots field, a second field was unveiled – dedicated to Sebastian Vollmer, one of Germany’s most successful NFL players. Both fields will now be used by school teams and local clubs such as the Düsseldorf Firecats, providing a lasting boost for flag football in the region.
“Düsseldorf is well on its way to becoming a leading football city in Europe,” said Alexander Steinforth, General Manager of NFL Germany. “The Patriots are bringing their DNA to Germany – this strengthens our sport on a global level.”
But it wasn’t just about facilities – youth football also took center stage. At the inaugural U14 NFL Flag Final Tournament, ten school teams from across Germany competed in thrilling matchups. Each had previously qualified through regional tournaments and represented an NFL team with official marketing rights in Germany.
School from Munich wins it all as Flag Football hype rises to an all-time hype
The big final was won by Erasmus-Grasser-Gymnasium from Munich, who delivered a dominant 15:0 victory over Stadtteilschule am Heidberg from Hamburg. Representing the Kansas City Chiefs, the Munich squad became the very first NFL Flag Champion of Germany. Their reward: a ticket to the NFL Flag Championships in Canton, Ohio, where they’ll proudly represent Germany this summer against teams from seven other countries.
The NFL is investing in youth development with its international Flag program. Backed by DKB, NFL Flag is now active in 15 international markets. The ultimate goal is clear: for flag football to shine on the world stage at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
