“CHAMPIONS RISING” DOCUMENTARY HIGHLIGHTING U.S. FLAG FOOTBALL NATIONAL TEAM’S QUEST FOR GOLD DEBUTS MARCH 4 ON THE ROKU CHANNEL & YOUTUBE

With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, USA Football and Duality Sports & Entertainment bring an inside look at the U.S. Flag National Teams and 2024 Flag Football World Championships 

See what it takes to be world champions in elite flag football, challenging misconceptions about the game, which has often been seen as only a recreational sport.  

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. & CHARLOTTE, N.C. – USA Football, in partnership with Duality Sports & Entertainment, announces the upcoming release of Champions Rising: USA Football's National Team, a powerful documentary that chronicles the journey of the U.S. National Teams from making the squad to the 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Lahti, Finland. Produced by Duality and directed by Mike Pacicco, Champions Rising will premiere on USA Football’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/usafootball) on March 4, 2025, and streaming free on The Roku Channel’s Roku Sport Channel. 

USA Football is responsible for selecting, training and leading the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams that represent the United States on the world’s stage, including when flag football debuts in the Olympics in 2028. 

Champions Rising, which clocks in at nearly 90 minutes, is a first-of-its-kind look at what it takes to be world champions in flag football, challenging some misconceptions about the sport, which has often been seen as just a recreational game. The film offers an inside look at the dedication and skill of elite U.S. National Team athletes and the intense pressure they face competing for spots on the roster while balancing their personal lives. 

• Embeddable trailer can be found here 

• Images and key art can be found here 

USA Football on social media:  

• Instagram: @usa_football 

• X: @USAFootball 

• Facebook: USA Football 

• TikTok: @usa.football 

• LinkedIn – USA Football 

• Hashtags: #ChampionsRising #USAFootball 

With the rapid rise of flag football’s popularity and its upcoming Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, the stakes have never been higher. Male players, like outspoken quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette, grapple with the potential influx of NFL athletes into the sport, while female players like 43-year-old quarterback Vanita Krouch face the dual challenge of staving off Father Time and rising young stars eager to take their spots. 

Champions Rising is produced by Michael Hayden, known for his work with top athletes and organizations such as NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield, the UFC and former World No. 1 tennis star Andy Roddick. Director Mike Pacicco is an industry veteran whose recent credits include the critically acclaimed Roku Original UFC Fight Inc., where he served as Executive Producer. 

For exclusive previews, behind-the-scenes content and athlete interviews, visit usafootball.com or follow USA Football on YouTube and social media. 

About USA Football: USA Football is the governing body of American Football in the United States. As a Recognized Sports Organization of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the sole U.S. member of the International Federation of American Football, USA Football selects, trains and leads the U.S. National Teams in tackle and flag football disciplines, while delivering world-class football development resources, sport standards and competitive opportunities to empower athletes at every level. USA Football is committed to ensuring every athlete has access to develop and compete in the game through safer, inclusive and innovative pathways. 

About Duality: Duality Sports & Entertainment is an award-winning production company based in Charlotte, N.C., specializing in sports and entertainment content creation. Led by Executive Producer Michael Hayden, Duality offers a full suite of services, from ideation and consulting to production and post-production. Hayden is known for his work with top athletes and organizations such as NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield, the UFC, and former World No. 1 tennis star Andy Roddick. Duality is committed to delivering high-quality, engaging stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.