A win is a win for the NY Jets

The New York Jets haven’t exactly been lighting up the football field but they did something this week that notched a win for ownership. Their backing, thanks to a family-affiliated philanthropic grant, helped launch what’s set to be the largest college flag football league in the United States.

It’s a solid PR win for the Jets and a boost for the fast-growing world of flag football.

The NFL team put $1 million behind the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) to launch the Jets & ECAC Women’s Flag Football League. The 7-on-7 league will start with 10 Division I, II and III teams from throughout the eastern United States and kick off in 2026. The money comes through the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, a Jets-affiliated nonprofit named for team owner Woody Johnson’s mother.  

It’s set to be the largest collegiate flag football league in the U.S.

While the Jets have supported women’s flag football for more than a decade, this expands on NFL teams’ work to grow flag football collegiately.

The Jets & ECAC Women’s Flag Football League also adds to both organizations’ public relations value by building opportunities in women’s sports.

Here’s how:

✈️ The Jets didn’t just write a check and run. The team’s been in the girls’ flag space since 2011, so this feels like a natural move.

✈️ The grant opens doors for athletes who’ve only played in club leagues — or none at all. That kind of support sticks with communities.

✈️ Other businesses notice when pro teams back projects for deserving groups. It says, “We’re here for more than logos and event names.”

✈️ It gives the Jets a story that isn’t tied to wins and losses (go ahead — make your jokes). It’s purpose-driven.

Why the PR hits
When you invest in people and possibilities, your reputation grows. Partners notice.

Others in the NFL support flag football

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees co-founded Football ’N ’ America. The Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders and the New England Patriots are among NFL teams that support the game, the latter with the Patriots Girls High School Flag Football League.

This is smart PR. The Jets invest in athletes and communities, help build business pipelines and stories that stick. Their ECAC grant will help bring sponsors to the table and give fans something to cheer about.

ONE MORE NOTE👇🏼

🧦 Just beCAUSE

Since a lot of you are in gift-giving mode, I’m sharing businesses this month that sell great stuff and give back in cash or product donations.

This week, one of my favorites: Bombas. I pretty much live in its socks. A purchase by you triggers a donation from the company’s Giving Partner Organizations, which supports individuals in communities facing homelessness. No matter what you buy – socks, underwear or T-shirts – one of what you order is donated. Read more about Bombas’ impact: https://beebetter.bombas.com/impact

❓Do you have a favorite business that gives back? LMK: [email protected]

© 2025 Gail Sideman; gpublicity.com; SIDEbar

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