State of Texas, three South Florida high schools produce most NFL players on Week 1 rosters

NEW YORK -- With nine cities producing at least five players on Kickoff Weekend rosters, Texas, with 199 players, produced the most players of any state, followed by Florida (179), California (165) and Georgia (143).

There were 20 players from Bradenton (Fla.) high schools on Kickoff Weekend rosters, the most of any city. Atlanta (Ga.) and Miami (Fla.) tied for the second-most players (18) followed by Detroit (Mich.) with 16 players in 2025. IMG Academy in Bradenton (Fla.) produced the most NFL players on 2025 NFL Kickoff Weekend rosters. South Florida continues to produce a plethora of NFL talent, as the top three high schools with the most NFL players hail from the region.

Overall, NFL players represent high schools in 46 states and the District of Columbia, four countries -- Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States -- and a U.S. territory (American Samoa). The totals are based on the 1,730 players on Kickoff Weekend rosters (charts available at the bottom of this release).

Additionally, the National Football League today celebrated record-breaking growth in football participation at every level of the game. From youth flag leagues to high school and college programs, the sport is experiencing a powerful resurgence in the United States, fueled by collaboration between the NFL, its 32 clubs, and leading partners.

"It's great to see all football partners working together to drive their respective areas of growth of the game of football across youth tackle, high school, flag, and college," said Roman Oben, NFL Vice President of Football Development.

Youth & NFL FLAG

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association's (SFIA) participation data, youth flag football has seen strong growth, with participation among youth ages 6–17 increasing by 40% since 2019. Over that same period, flag football recorded one of the highest five-year average annual growth rates among both 6–12 and 13–17 age groups for a team sport. Notably, participation among girls ages 6–17 surged by 89% since 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing sports for girls.

SFIA is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, with a mission is to increase sports and fitness participation and promote industry vitality.

"SFIA's 2024 data revealed that flag football gained remarkable traction among youth players, especially with female athletes, who experienced substantial growth in participation," said Todd Smith, President & CEO, SFIA. "This momentum is being driven by increased resources and support for the sport, which has resulted in expanded access and opportunities for communities across the country. SFIA is encouraged by flag's growth over the last five years, especially by female youth athletes, and is excited for its continued success."

NFL FLAG, the youth flag football league for ages 5-17 operated by RCX Sports, continues its rapid expansion with around 760,000 participants last year, according to data from RCX Sports. Year-to-date participation has surpassed 650,000 players, outpacing last year's numbers during the same period, with girls participation seeing strong growth following dedicated divisions for girls and the High School Girls division broadcast at the NFL FLAG Championships.

High School Football

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), boys' 11-player high school tackle football participation has increased 5.7% since 2021–22, topping 1,029,000 participants in 2024. Additionally, schools sponsoring football reached their second-highest total in history, with 14,269 programs nationwide.

Meanwhile, girls' flag football has exploded, growing 388% since 2021 to nearly 69,000 participants. Over 30 states are offering flag football as a sanctioned or piloting program with more programs expected within the next year.

"The rapid growth of flag football for girls is one of the best stories in recent years," said Karissa Niehoff, CEO of the NFHS. "With official rules, state championships, and surging participation, this is a sport with unlimited potential."

College Football

The National Football Foundation (NFF) annual report on the growth of college football highlighted the continued expansion of the sport on campuses nationwide, with 777 colleges and universities now sponsoring programs -- a net gain of 10 in the past five years. Four new programs have launched this fall, with seven more set to kick off in 2026.

"The growth we're seeing reflects more than just love for the game -- it's proof of football's unique ability to inspire young people to pursue higher education," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "When a campus adds football, it creates new opportunities for students, strengthens community bonds, and energizes school spirit in a way few things can match."

In the flag space, over 100 colleges offered women's flag football across the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA this past spring with over 50 more colleges expected to launch programs this upcoming season. Meanwhile, community and junior college tackle football are going strong with 123 programs nationwide. Collegiate sprint football, a full-contact sport for players weighing 178 pounds or less with the same rules as regular college football counts 16 teams in two leagues.

Since 1978, NCAA football participation has grown by nearly 200 programs with youth and high school numbers continuing to surge nationwide. Combined with international growth through the NFL's Global Markets Program and International Player Pathway, football's future has never been brighter.

States With Most NFL Players

High School Cities with Most NFL Players

High Schools with the Most NFL Players

Nine high schools had five players on NFL Kickoff Weekend rosters this year:

NFL Players Per Capita: Georgia, with one NFL player for every 74,908 residents, leads the list of NFL players per capita. Louisiana (one in 78,945) and Mississippi (one in 92,540) round out the top three. The national average is one NFL player per 193,604 U.S. residents.

States with Most NFL Players Per Capita

*Based on most recent published U.S. Census Data (2020)

NOTE: To obtain a complete list of NFL players' high schools, states and hometowns, click here.​