USA FOOTBALL SET TO RELEASE DOCUMENTARY “CHAMPIONS RISING” HIGHLIGHTING U.S. FLAG FOOTBALL NATIONAL TEAM’S QUEST FOR GOLD

USA Football and Duality Sports & Entertainment bring an inside look at the U.S. Flag National Team’s journey to the 2024 Flag Football World Championship

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. & CHARLOTTE, N.C. – USA Football, in partnership with Duality Sports & Entertainment, proudly 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 on March 4, 2025, with distribution on premium AVOD platforms to follow. A sneak preview is available on USA Football’s YouTube channel here. 

The nearly 90-minute film offers an unprecedented look at the unwavering determination and exceptional skill of flag football’s top players and coaches as they pursue the rare honor of representing the United States on the world stage and competing for a gold medal. The documentary also delves into the intense pressures faced by these athletes, as competition for roster spots has never been fiercer.  

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 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. 

“Flag football’s Olympic announcement has been like rocket fuel for the sport,” said Scott Hallenbeck, CEO of USA Football, which serves as the governing body of American football in the United States and selects, trains and leads the U.S. National Teams for international competitions, including the 2028 Olympics and World Championships. “USA Football is working at a fever pace to ensure we uphold our gold medal standard as we lead our national teams to LA in 2028.” 

Flag football is a fast, creative, and exciting sport worthy of the world’s stage. This film gives viewers an inside look at what it takes to be world champions. Duality’s storytelling ability will bring viewers closer to these amazing athletes – both on and off the field – as they balance their personal lives with the honor of representing their country against the world’s best.” 

“From the moment we stepped into USA Football's trials we were struck by the game’s speed and precision,” said Executive Producer Michael Hayden. “This film captures the essence of the teams' 2024 journey, celebrating the passion, grit and relentless pursuit of excellence that define both the players and the organization.” 

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. 

Notable Champions Rising Highlights Include: 

• On the U.S. Women’s National Team, 43-year-old quarterback Vanita Krouch, the most decorated female flag football player in history, known as the “Tom Brady of Flag Football,” faces the challenge of proving herself against younger, emerging talent while 23-year-old upstart wide receiver Isabella “Izzy” Geraci, a former Division I college basketball player, returns to the game she loved as a child to prove that she still has what it takes to compete in football.   

• On the U.S. Men’s National Team, outspoken quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette – one of the most dynamic players in flag football – challenges the notion that NFL stars can step in and dominate the sport, while U.S. Air Force veteran Michael Better and 2021 world champion David “BoBo” Price fight for redemption after failing to make the U.S. National Team in 2023. 

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.